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Samgyeopsal Gui – The Ultimate Korean BBQ Experience!

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A Must-Try Dish When Visiting Korea! When you think of Korean food, many delicious dishes come to mind. But if I had to pick one of the most iconic and flavorful ones, I’d confidently recommend Samgyeopsal Gui (Grilled Pork Belly) . Sure, people around the world eat pork in different ways, but grilling thick slices of pork belly on a sizzling hot plate and eating it with various side dishes? That’s uniquely Korean. Whenever my foreign friends try samgyeopsal for the first time, they’re fascinated by the DIY grilling experience. The sight and sound of the meat sizzling on the grill are exciting, and when they take their first bite, they’re blown away by the juicy and savory taste. Today, let me introduce you to the delicious world of Korean BBQ—Samgyeopsal Gui! What Does Samgyeopsal Taste Like?  Samgyeopsal literally means “three-layered meat” , referring to the layers of fat and lean meat in pork belly. When grilled, the outside becomes crispy while the inside stays juicy and...
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Doenjang Jjigae, Experience Korea's Deliciously Rich Flavor!

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A Must-Try Korean Dish for Foreign Friends! One of the questions my foreign friends often ask when visiting Korea is, “What Korean dish do I absolutely need to try?” Without any hesitation, I always recommend Doenjang Jjigae (Korean Soybean Paste Stew). When you first try Doenjang Jjigae, you might be surprised by its strong aroma and slightly salty taste. But trust me, after a few spoonfuls, you'll find yourself hooked by its deep, savory flavor. For Koreans, this stew is a comfort food we can enjoy every single day without getting bored. In this post, I'll introduce you to Doenjang Jjigae—its unique taste, health benefits, and the best places in Korea to enjoy it! So, what does Doenjang Jjigae taste like?  Doenjang Jjigae has a savory, salty, and deeply flavorful taste. At first, you might feel like, “Hmm… isn’t it a bit salty or pungent?” But once you combine it with rice, you'll discover a perfect harmony of flavors, making you crave more with each bite. The secret...
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Garaetteok: A Traditional Korean Rice Cake with a Chewy Texture

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What is Garaetteok? A Unique First Experience  What do foreigners say when they first encounter garaetteok ? Many ask, "Is this a type of bread made from rice?" or "Why is it so chewy?" Garaetteok is a traditional Korean rice cake , made by steaming finely ground rice flour and then shaping it into long cylinders. It is commonly grilled, eaten as a snack, or used in various dishes. In Korea, garaetteok is not only the main ingredient in tteokguk (rice cake soup) eaten on Lunar New Year's Day but also enjoyed as a grilled snack dipped in honey or rice syrup . Interestingly, November 11 is not just Pepero Day but also Garaetteok Day ! On this day, people eat garaetteok to promote rice consumption and celebrate Korea’s traditional rice cakes.  Personally, I  love grilling garaetteok slightly and dipping it in honey.  Since garaetteok is  a rice-based cake , it has a naturally nutty and mild flavor. The crispy exterior and chewy interior create a simple yet rich ta...
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Kfood, Tteokguk: A Warm Bowl to Start the Korean New Year!

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What is Tteokguk? A Unique First Experience  What do foreigners say when they try tteokguk for the first time? Many ask, "What kind of soup is this?" or "Why is it so chewy?" Tteokguk is a traditional dish that Koreans eat on New Year's Day , consisting of warm broth with chewy rice cakes. There is even a fun belief that eating tteokguk adds one more year to your age! 😆 Korea has two major holidays: Seollal (Lunar New Year) and Chuseok (Korean Thanksgiving) . Among them, Seollal marks the beginning of a new year, and families gather to celebrate by eating tteokguk together. This makes tteokguk more than just a dish— it symbolizes a fresh start and carries deep cultural significance. The broth is typically made from beef or ox bone stock, giving it a deep and rich flavor. It is topped with garnishes like beef, egg strips, dried seaweed, and green onions , which enhance its umami taste. The rice cakes, made from glutinous rice, soften slightly in the broth, pro...
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Kfood, Experience the Deep Flavor and Charm of Sundaeguk!

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What Does Sundaeguk Taste Like for Foreigners? If you're looking for a local favorite while traveling in Korea, Sundaeguk is a must-try! The first thing you’ll notice about this dish is the rich aroma of the broth and the soft, chewy sundae (Korean blood sausage) . Its appearance might seem unfamiliar at first, but once you take a bite, you’ll be captivated by the deep broth and the satisfying texture of the sundae. To enhance the flavor, many Koreans add savory perilla powder and salted shrimp , which elevate the umami taste.  Sundaeguk is beloved as a hearty, everyday comfort food in Korea. On a cold day, a steaming bowl of this soup will warm your body and soul. It is also widely known as a hangover cure , making it a popular choice after a night out. What Is Sundaeguk? 🥘 Sundaeguk is a rich, pork-bone broth soup that includes sundae (Korean blood sausage) and various pork cuts . Sundae itself is made by stuffing pig intestines with glass noodles, glutinous rice, pig’s blood...
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The Charm of Korean Ramen! A Must-Try K-FOOD in Korea

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Foreigners Love K-Ramen! What’s Your First Experience Like? When visiting Korea for the first time, one of the must-try foods is ramen . You may have seen it in K-dramas or movies, but tasting it in real life leaves an even stronger impression.  If you're trying Korean ramen for the first time, the spiciness might surprise you! But after a few bites, you’ll find the heat addictive. Plus, it's easy to prepare yet packed with deep flavors, making it a convenient meal while traveling. So, what makes Korean ramen so special? Let’s explore its unique features, popular types, and the best ways to enjoy it! 🍜 Unique Features of Korean Ramen Korean ramen is famous worldwide, but it's particularly loved for its bold flavors and chewy noodles . It’s Spicy! 🌶️ One of the main characteristics of Korean ramen is its fiery spice . Popular varieties like Shin Ramyun and Buldak Bokkeum Myeon are well-known among foreigners. If you enjoy spicy food, you should definitely give them a try...
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Gimbap: A Simple Yet Flavorful Korean Roll You Must Try!

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🌟 What is it like to try gimbap for the first time? If you visit Korea, there's a high chance you'll come across gimbap! Its colorful appearance and bite-sized rolls make it look inviting. However, some may wonder, "Is this sushi?" Unlike sushi, gimbap contains various ingredients instead of raw fish and is infused with the rich aroma of sesame oil, giving it a unique flavor. These days, frozen gimbap is easily available in many countries, making it more well-known globally. With a quick heat-up, you can enjoy authentic Korean gimbap, further boosting the popularity of Korean cuisine! Gimbap is a quick meal option and a must-have for picnics! But beyond just being a simple lunchbox item, it holds warm memories for many Koreans. Today, let's explore the flavors, ingredients, and places where you can try this delicious dish! 🍲 Features and Varieties of Gimbap Gimbap consists of seaweed (gim), rice, and various fillings. The most classic version includes pickl...
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