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 art of Bonsai originated in China under the name Pénzāi (盆栽) during the Han dynasty (206 BCE – 220 CE). What means Bonsai? 盆 (pén) is composed from 皿 (min, container or pot), 分 (fēn, divide) 栽 (zāi) is composed from 木 (mù, tree, wood) 戈 (gē, spear) and 十 (ten) in its […]
Why Do Koreans Use Metal Chopsticks? Korea is the only country in the world to use metal chopsticks on a large scale. While other Asian countries like China, Japan, Thailand, and Indonesia mainly use wooden or bamboo chopsticks, Korean chopsticks are usually made of stainless steel. They are flatter, often square in shape, and of […]
The Global Rise of Korean Culture and Famous Korean Foods Entering the Oxford Dictionary Korean culture is taking over the world. What started with K-pop and famous artists like Super Junior, Blackpink, and later BTS has now sparked a full-blown K-wave. Korean skincare is seen as some of the best available, Korean movies like Parasite […]
Winter in Korea sees a range of fruits, treats, and foods hit the shelves that are not as readily available the rest of the year. Make sure not to miss out on these eight yummy, seasonal snacks! Sweet Potato (Goguma) Variations of sweet potato make popular snacks in Korea all year round, however the root […]
Does what you’re eating mean what you think it means? ‘Janchi guksu’ noodles for a long and happy life Noodles in Korea symbolize longevity and good health. Traditionally served at weddings, janchi guksu (literally “banquet noodles”) is made with wheat noodles in an anchovy-based broth, topped with vegetables, as a good-luck gesture for the […]
It’s cold outside. A good soup helps. As anyone living here will have noticed, Korea loves its soups. Most Korean meals come with at least one kind of soup included in their banchan (side dishes). Whether it’s seaweed soup with a simple lunch of kimchi and rice, a dwaenjang or kimchi jiggae alongside cooked meat, […]
Traditional Korean Lunar Calendar — Auspicious ‘Gil-il’ Days for Food and Drink Preparation The traditional Korean lunar calendar is filled with special days called ‘길일’ (gil-il), which means “auspicious days” or “good days.” These lucky days often refer to ideal times for important events like moving house or getting married, but they also apply to […]
