Ways to Live Life in Korea.

Some suggestions on how to have an awe-inspiring time as an expat in South Korea.

Photo cred: Cindy Le

10 Korean Street Foods You Gotta Try

1.

Probably the most popular of all Korean street food, ttukbokki is to Korean kids what french fries are to American kids. A delicious dish of rice cakes smothered in spicy chili paste.

2.

Processed fish cake cooked in broth served conveniently on a stick. 

Don't forget to grab a cup of broth to drink after you finish.

3.

An old style snack that is still popular.

 4.

You can find steamed or fried mandu on the streets. This is the fried version. 

A dumpling filled with veggies, rice noodles and meat. Great with soy sauce.

 5.

Boiled in soy sauce and sugar and served in a cup. 

Beondegi was a common dish during the war when food was scarce. 

Still popular and still a good source of protein.

 6.

Vegetables taste much better when they are deep fried.

 7.

 This is no ice cream sundae. Pronounced soon-day, this snack is served warm. 

Intestines stuffed with rice and cooked in pig's blood.

8.

The most amazing corn dog you will ever have. Ever.
I don't know the actual Korean name for this. Anyone?
Layered with french fries and once you pay is coated with ketchup and mustard. So bad, yet so good.

9.

An endless soft potato chip. Best if sprinkled with some seasoning.

10.

My FAVORITE snack. A pancake filled with a cinnamon, sugar, and sunflower seed mixture. 

Cooked in butter till slightly crispy and served warm.

What's for lunch? Comparing school lunches from USA and South Korea

My sister, Kate- a public school kindergarten teacher in Sparta, Michigan, USA- took six pictures of her school lunches.
I- a public school elementary teacher in Uijeongbu, South Korea- took six pictures of my school lunches.

Let's compare.

Lunch #1

USA: Rib sandwhich, tater tots, cauliflower salad, apple, peach slices













South Korea: meatballs, rolled egg omelet, radish kimchi, ox brisket soup with noodles, mandarin oranges

Lunch #2

USA: tacos, banana, salad, apple juice, fruit cup













South Korea: rice cakes with fish meat, spinach, cabbage kimchi, brisket soup with potoatoes, rice, gold kiwis

Lunch #3

USA: pancakes with syrup, banana, hash brown, ketchup, apple sauce

South Korea: acorn jelly sald, chicken with rice cakes, radish kimchi with greens, seaweed soup, sweet potato pastry, rice

Lunch #4

USA: ham and cheese sandwhich, fruit cup, celery, cucumber salad, tater tots













South Korea: gold kiwis, chicken wings, cabbage kimchi, beef noodle soup with vegetables, rice

















Lunch #5


USA: fruit cup, banana, apple juice, mashed potatoes with gravy, turkey, cranberry sauce, cauliflower salad














South Korea: stir fry noodles with vegetables, smoked duck salad, white cabbage kimchi, crab soup, persimmons

Lunch #6

USA: milk, cucumber salad, bread with butter, apple juice, chicken nuggets, sweet 'n sour sauce, green beans

South Korea: radish kimchi, vegetable dumplings, melon, egg soup, stir fried rice

When Kate first sent me a picture of her lunch, I was surprised to see vegetables and fruit on the tray. Maybe it's just me, but I was under the impression that American students were still eating pizza everyday. It looks like Michelle Obama's new school lunch initiative is working.

Good work, 'Merica.

But what's up with the consumable serve ware?  There's a lot of money that's being wasted by not having reusable trays and cutlery. Not to mention the destruction of that thing called the environment.

Overall, I'm impressed with America's school lunches. They look healthier than I imagined. However, I think Korea wins this comparison contest. I've written a post on Korea's school lunches in the past and expressed how healthy and impressive the meals are at public schools. The variety and balanced lunches make South Korea a winner in my book.

What do you think? Whose lunch is the best?

An ode to kimchi.

A magical dish was born long ago

In the land where the Great Wall stands.

It came to Korea and stayed to be called

The healthiest food in demand.

Eat as much as you want

It's what Koreans do know.

The ingredients are natural,

Calorie intake- surprisingly low.

To make it is actually quite simple.
What you should start with is a big ole' bowl
Add some water and salt
And set soak for 6 hours a cabbage whole.

Is it nice a rubbery?
Great! Drain as much water as you can
And set aside.
Now it's time to follow this plan:

Grab your sharpest knife and start chopping.
The ingredients that make kimchi the boss

are red pepper, green onions, lettuce, radish, garlic, and fish sauce.

I almost forgot there were more!

We need anchovies sauce, rice and seaweed water

In order to complete this chore.

Now, what's left to do

Is mix it all through.

Got that done?

Let's stuff that tasty mixture into the leaves-

Don't miss a single one.

Grab a jar and voila!
Fancy a salad? Eat it raw.
If not, it should refrigerate.
For authentic kimchi, 20 days you must wait.

Congratulations, my friends.
You are now a master of kimchi
You may embark on your own
And proclaim your talent with glee.