In English, we say ‘Pollack’ but in Korean, this Fish has many names: 생태 (Saengtae) – fresh pollack 동태 (Dongtae) – frozen pollack 북어 / 북태 (Bugeo / Buktae) – fully dried pollack 황태 (Hwangtae) – winter-dried pollack (freeze–thaw process) 코다리 (Kodari) – semi-dried pollack 노가리 (Nogari) – young pollack, lightly dried This linguistic precision […]
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 meaning “mixed rice,” is one of Korea’s most iconic and beloved dishes. At first glance, it may appear simple — a bowl of rice topped with vegetables, meat, an egg, and spicy sauce. Yet behind this colorful composition lies a deep philosophy of balance, seasonality, and harmony that reflects the very soul […]
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 […]
