Interesting Things to do in Seoul: Food
So – you’re in Seoul. You’ve conquered the stubborn traffic, lugged your flight-weary luggage out of the cab, and checked into your handsome hotel at the city center. As you sit on the well-pulled sheets at the edge of your neatly made bed removing your shoes, you hear a loud, grumbling sound. At first, you thought that it was your roommate expressing his displeasure at the rude, insufferable concierge – but then you realize that he has already fallen asleep, clothes and all. A second, louder growl ensues. Looking down, you realize that it’s that neglected stomach of yours that’s making its displeasure known. Indignantly, too. You wonder, what is there to eat here in the city?
"First Class Cuisine!"
Well… lots.
Korea is a food paradise, and Seoul is at the heart of it all. A visit to the capital city is automatically rendered incomplete and unsatisfactory if you fail to immerse yourself in the country’s food culture. The fact that Korean food is imitated and marketed all over the world is a testament to its enduring and far-reaching popularity. Mention ‘kimchi’ (김치) – the state’s national dish – almost anywhere in the world and you would be presented with a spicy side dish of several vegetables, including, but not limited to cabbage, radish and scallion. The nation’s diverse and fascinating history (the opening up of the country’s markets during the Joseon period; the thirty-five year Japanese occupation; and the 1950’s Korean War) as well as its climate and geography have all had a significant influence on its culinary culture, whether it be that the chopsticks are made of stainless steel, that the side dishes are usually served cold, or that the meat is usually served in small, bite-sized portions.
Korea is a food paradise, and Seoul is at the heart of it all. A visit to the capital city is automatically rendered incomplete and unsatisfactory if you fail to immerse yourself in the country’s food culture. The fact that Korean food is imitated and marketed all over the world is a testament to its enduring and far-reaching popularity. Mention ‘kimchi’ (김치) – the state’s national dish – almost anywhere in the world and you would be presented with a spicy side dish of several vegetables, including, but not limited to cabbage, radish and scallion. The nation’s diverse and fascinating history (the opening up of the country’s markets during the Joseon period; the thirty-five year Japanese occupation; and the 1950’s Korean War) as well as its climate and geography have all had a significant influence on its culinary culture, whether it be that the chopsticks are made of stainless steel, that the side dishes are usually served cold, or that the meat is usually served in small, bite-sized portions.
What scrumptious gastronomical delights await you as you explore metropolitan Seoul? There are several types of eateries to look out for: cafés; street stalls or pojangmacha (포장마차); seafood markets; and of course, traditional restaurants. There is a burgeoning café culture in Seoul at the moment, with many springing up in all corners of the bustling metropolis to cater to the market that consists of young and trendy working adults. Besides serving the traditional western food and beverages such as cakes, pastries, and coffee, they also offer traditional Korean confectionery or hangwa (한과) such as yumilgwa (유과), which is deep-fried blend of grain flour and honey.
If you are afflicted with hunger pangs at night, Pojangmachas, or covered wagons, offer a wide variety of street food such as dakkochi (닭꼬치 – skewered chicken), mandu (만두 – dumplings, which are usually served with kimchi), and kimbap (김밥 – rice rolled in seaweed) to placate your empty stomach. They are soon to become a thing of the past, however, as the South Korean government have stepped up efforts to regulate or close them down.
Fancy a fresher meal? Visit the Noryangjin Fisheries Wholesale Market (노량진수산시장) to purchase fresh seafood and have it prepared for you at one of the restaurants there. For a comprehensive dinner, do visit traditional restaurants such as To Sok Chon (토속촌) at Chaebu-dong, which is famous for its samgyetang (삼계탕 – chicken in ginseng soup) and because it was a favourite of the late President Noh Muh-hyun. Also, don’t forget to have a few drinks to go along with all that delectable food. If you’re in the mood to celebrate after say, winning the Best Delegate Award at a certain Model UN conference, do get your friends to buy you a dose of makgeolli (막걸리 – rice wine) or soju (소주 – also rice wine, but usually stronger) – just make sure you don’t serve yourself and let them serve you. If you win, but are underage, have a go at downing hwachae (화채 – a traditional punch which contains honeyed juice) or sujeonggwa (수정과 – reddish brown fruit punch).
Even after all that’s been described above, it still stands that you’ll have to experience Seoul’s food first-hand. Words simply do not and cannot do it justice. If anything, throw your carefully planned itinerary off; let it be food, and only food. Now wipe that trickling drop of saliva off the corner of your mouth, put down this piece and go get some!
by Michael James Anthony
