If you live in Korea, you will eventually encounter a strange phenomenon: a friend’s birthday that moves every year. Specifically, Korea uses a “Dual Calendar” system. While the whole world follows the Solar (Gregorian) calendar, Korea maintains a deep connection with the Lunar calendar for traditions. Consequently, if you don’t understand this system, you might … Read more
Happy New Year! In Korea, January 1st is marked as a “Red Day” on the calendar, meaning it is a national public holiday. Specifically, while the Lunar New Year (Seollal) is the bigger traditional holiday, the Gregorian New Year on January 1st is equally important for a fresh start. However, if you think Koreans just … Read more
If you are looking for a meal that is visually stunning, nutritionally balanced, and incredibly delicious, Bibimbap is your answer. Specifically, the word “Bibim” means mixing and “Bap” means rice. However, many beginners treat it like a “kitchen sink” salad and throw everything in raw, which often results in a soggy mess. Consequently, you need … Read more
If you have ever attended a Korean party, you have probably seen a beautiful, shiny pile of noodles mixed with colorful vegetables. Specifically, Japchae is a sweet and savory dish made from sweet potato starch noodles (Dangmyeon). However, many beginners are intimidated because they think they have to stir-fry every ingredient separately for hours. Consequently, … Read more
If you are a fan of intense heat, Korea is your ultimate playground. Specifically, Spicy Korean Food is famous for its unique blend of red chili pepper flakes (Gochugaru) and fermented paste (Gochujang). However, it is not just about the pain; the balance of sweetness and savory “Umami” is what makes it addictive. Therefore, if … Read more
If you want to escape the city of Seoul and experience a true “land of fantasy,” Everland is the place to be. Specifically, it is Korea’s largest theme park, offering a unique combination of thrilling rides and a massive zoo known as Zootopia. However, visiting without a plan can be overwhelming due to the massive … Read more
If you are looking for a dish that is spicy, silky, and incredibly comforting, look no further. Specifically, Soft Tofu Stew (Sundubu-jjigae) is the king of Korean stews. However, many beginners struggle because the tofu releases a lot of water, turning the stew into a bland soup. Consequently, you need a specific strategy to keep … Read more
If you want to understand the “soul” of the Korean people, you must look at their struggle for freedom. Specifically, the Independence Hall of Korea in Cheonan is the most important landmark dedicated to this history. Furthermore, it is not just a museum filled with old papers; it is a massive park where you can … Read more
When you visit Korea, you will see a lot of red food. Initially, many foreigners assume that all these dishes taste the same because they are all spicy. However, once you taste them, you will realize that Gochujang Dishes have completely different personalities. The secret lies in how the fermented chili paste is balanced with … Read more
Move over, Sriracha! There is a new global superstar in town. Recently, Gochujang Trends have taken over social media, transforming the traditional Korean chili paste into a versatile fusion ingredient. Specifically, the “Rosé” movement—mixing spicy paste with heavy cream—is the hottest food trend right now. However, this fermented sauce is much more than just “spicy … Read more