Discover Korean food, culture, and travel with stories from markets to hidden eateries. Tips and guides to help you taste and explore Korea.
Korean ginseng, known as Panax ginseng or 홍삼 (hongsam) in Korea, has been revered for centuries as a natural tonic and health booster. From traditional medicine to modern wellness routines, this root has played a central role in Korean culture and health practices. But what makes Korean ginseng so special? Let’s dive into its history, […]
Autumn in Korea is one of the most flavorful times of the year. As the air cools and the mountains turn red and gold, Korean kitchens fill with the aromas of roasted chestnuts, grilled fish, and freshly harvested rice. This season is all about comfort, warmth, and the abundance of nature’s harvest. Seasonal Harvest […]
Myeongran (명란), or salted pollock roe, is a cherished ingredient in Korean cuisine, known for its rich umami flavor and versatility. While it is a staple in Korean households, its history and cultural significance extend beyond Korea, influencing neighboring countries, particularly Japan. Origins and Cultural Significance in Korea Myeongran has been a part […]
The Unsung Hero of Korean Flavor While gochujang steals the spotlight with its fiery red hue, doenjang (된장) — Korea’s fermented soybean paste — is the quiet heart of Korean cooking. Rich, earthy, salty, and deeply umami, doenjang forms the foundation of traditional Korean flavor, appearing in soups, stews, sauces, and temple meals alike. […]
No Korean kitchen is complete without a jar of gochujang (고추장) — a deep red, spicy-sweet chili paste that defines the essence of Korean cuisine. It’s the secret behind classics like bibimbap, tteokbokki, and samgyeopsal, but it’s also more than a condiment — it’s a window into Korea’s history, philosophy, and taste for balance. […]
Golden, fragrant, and beautifully chewy, Yakgwa (약과) is one of Korea’s most iconic traditional desserts. Made from wheat flour, sesame oil, and honey, this delicate cookie has graced royal tables, temple offerings, and festive family gatherings for over a thousand years. Its name literally means “medicinal sweet” — from yak (medicine) and gwa (confection) — […]
Bibimbap (비빔밥), literally “mixed rice,” is one of Korea’s most iconic dishes. Behind its seemingly simple appearance — rice topped with vegetables, meat, an egg, and spicy sauce — lies a philosophy of balance and harmony. Each ingredient has its own color, texture, and purpose, creating a perfect blend of yin and yang, health and […]
A Culinary Journey to Mokpo, the “City of Taste” Recently, food tourism has gained immense popularity, with cities across Korea promoting their local cuisine to attract visitors. Mokpo, a port city rich in modern historical and cultural heritage, took the lead by declaring itself the “City of Taste” earlier this year, drawing significant attention. […]
