QH SENSATIONS
Words By Lynsey Riach
From modern skyscrapers and neon lights to palaces and pagodas, Seoul is a fascinating mix of tradition and modernity. The real pulse of the city lies in its recent transformation as a cultural hub. Having launched itself into mainstream media, with its trendy, fashion, unique food and K -pop culture - Seoul is a fascinating, fast paced mega metropolis of Asia that simple cannot be ignored.
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s soon as you touch down in this capital city which is home to nearly 12 million people, you’ll naturally sync your pace with the locals (non-stop...that is). With so much to see and so much to do, you’ll find it hard to resist the urge to
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get on out there and get on with it. So first, stop… fill up that jetlagged belly with some street food, Korean style.
Street Food Aplenty Now this may seem a little daunting but there’s more on offer than just fried insects. Almost on every corner you can find delicacies from the normal to the unfamiliar. Perhaps play it safe to begin with by trying some goldfish shaped bread (seriously) stuffed with red beans and lentils, dumplings or mung bean pancakes may be your thing before building up your courage and determination for the more bizarre bites on offer…fried fish guts anyone? Interestingly, one of the city’s most famous food carts is so popular the owner is believed to be a millionaire. Selling Hotteok- a sweet treat filled with sugar, cinnamon, and nuts then fried till it becomes a delicious caramel donut. Sounds pretty normal right? Until you watch locals add their own concoctions of sesame-soy sweet glass noodles, carrots, and spinach stuffed inside the donut then basted with a fruit-seasoned soy sauce.
Jack Of All Trades One of the most well known dishes synonymous with South Korea is kimchi. This dish continues to rise in popularity worldwide due to its health benefits as well as its now trendy reputation. Some murmur ‘it’s only fermented cabbage’ but who knew such a simple staple could be mixed up and served in so many different and wonderful ways? Rather quirky is the fact that Koreans eat so much of this super-spicy condiment, natives say kimchi instead of cheese when getting their pics taken. This dish is made with a mix of garlic, salt, vinegar, chilli peppers, and other spices and is served at every meal, either alone or mixed with rice or noodles. Part of a high-fibre, low-fat diet that has kept obesity at bay in South Korea. kimchi is also used in everything from soups to pancakes, and as a topping on pizza and burgers so it’s a must try on your trip. Korean BBQ restaurants are also a popular choice and a great place to mingle with locals. Hanjeongsik, a multi-dish Korean banquet, is an all-time favourite filled with