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. […]
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. […]
My Culinary Journey into Taean Peninsula I’ve always been picky about food. Since childhood, my mother has been haunted by my fussy eating habits. Many dishes were impossible for me to tolerate, and for a long time, I couldn’t even smell certain foods because of my sensitive stomach. Yet my highly developed sense 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 […]
