Abundance Yum!: Sushi in Korea

Although we all love Korean food sometimes we crave something else. Perhaps having something close to Korean but different is a good idea. So how about sushi? For me I prefer the sushi I can have in California like an avocado salmon roll. Out here they do sushi a little bit differently, and I have yet to find a place that satisfies my taste for rolled up rice and seafood. However, other folks have enjoyed this cuisine out here, so let's take a look.

1. Elwood: Sushi and sashimi are basics here and in this post you can get a simple introduction to how it is done in Korea.

2. Lee's Korea Blog: If you do find yourself in a Japanese restaurant in Korea you will notice that it isn't some hole-in-the-wall, but usually are somewhat fancy. Here the family tries out some sushi and other fish dishes at this place near Seoul National University.

3. A Search for Happiness: In my experience with eating fusionized Japanese food it has been at company meals with schools. In this case this blogger experienced just that. How about this seaweed sushi-cone?

4. Ever Evolving Primate: Maybe kimbop is sushi and maybe it is just kimbop! Whatever your opinion on it is this is Korea's version and it's cheap and easily accesible.

5. Seoul Eats: Now I think making sushi would be quite easy, considering the ingredients are really simple. So why not take a class on how to make it? Here is what happened at the O'ngo Food kitchen.

I hope that got you hungry for something slightly different than straight Korean food, and maybe you will go out and support your local Japanese sushi place. Otherwise have a good day!

Culture Cookies: Chuseok

In less than 30 days the Korean lunar holiday of Chuseok will be upon us. For me that means my birthday but also a five day weekend! Korean people will likely be heading to their family grave site or doing something with close relatives. It's a time when Seoul empties out and the highways of Korea become clogged. Today I'll present some bloggers who have had their own experience of Chuseok or just something to say.

1. London to Seoul: A nice post about her experience of having Chuseok traditions at work. Students wore their lovely hanboks and it made for great pictures.

2.The Harrington Times: For foreigners one of the best things about Chuseok is getting a Fall mini-vacation. People take the opportunity to stretch their legs and travel. These guys did just that and went on a mini-vacation.

3. On Becoming a Good (Feminist) Korean Wife: If you really want to know what the experience is like of visiting family and doing the rituals, then read this post to catch up.

4. Buhay sa Korea: Chuseok is a major gift giving holiday and the stores will be abundant with large gift sets. This is great for if you want to stock up on lots of cans of spam. However, if you plan on visiting Korean relatives or in-laws it is a good idea to think about how much you would spend.

Chuseok also signals the start of Fall and the Winter to come. I hope everyone has a lovely Chuseok this year!

Abundance Yum!: Local Specialities

In this adventure we look into Kbloggers talking about local food. If you have done some traveling around this peninsula you likely have had some "local speciality". Maybe it was a local makkoli or just a different version of a jiggae. Let's see what other folks have found in their time in Korea.

1. Lee' Korea Blog: In some place called Beomnaegol there is a cave bar, an artificial tunnel you can go to and enjoy some local drinks. A very local experience, indeed. Also included was some only-in-Busan kind of food. Check it out.

2. A Search for Happiness: Although Bulgolgi can be found anywhere, what if the cows that you eat were fed local grass? hmm

3. Zen Kimchi: Here you can get the ultimate line up of local food along with a side-by-side comparison. Suwon Galbi vs. Jeonju Bibimbop is up for thrashing around.

4. Seoul Eats: He gets out of Seoul and gives a local tour of Sokcho and what they have to offer, plenty of pajeon here!

Even though our summer vacations should be rolling to a stop, I hope wherever you travelled you enjoyed the local food and community.

Abundance Found: Ten

Let's roll the dice again and see what we can find around the Kblogosphere. Today's specialities will range from a surprise post about someone who didn't enjoy the recent elections, to finding ice-cream on their salad and some place to go cool off in the summer. Enjoy!

1. London to Seoul: There are drink vending machines all throughout Korea. Often times it is the same old variety of tea drinks, sports drinks and fruity ones. Then there are choices you just don't know what they are. Here we discover the "pine" drink and what it tastes like in a fun review.

2. Kids Fun in Seoul: A great new blog, I have discovered that is really helpful if you have kids and live in Seoul. However, I don't have kids, but I find most of their posts helpful, anyways. Here is one about pool locations near the Han river. I would imagine this a fun place to take the kiddos on a hot summer day.

3. Long Time Gone: If you have lived in Korea around election season, than you know what a loud ruckus it can be. Campaigners are not shy shouting out their name down the street. Take a look at the post to get a better idea.

4. The Chosun Bimbo: A veteran of life in Korea, who has stumbled upon the strangest food concoctions. It seems to never end as time goes by, and here finding ice-cream in their salad was still a surprise.

Who knows what we will find next time, but this certainly shows you the variety life that can be had in Korea.

Abundance Yum!: Pasta in Korea

You know you love Korean food, but now and then you still want to have something non-Korean. You have options in this matter, but the most easy one is finding a pasta / pizza place. These days you can get great options at various places, or lousy ones and wonder what's wrong with the universe. Let's see what folks have enjoyed in the past, and see for ourselves what's good or not.

1. Eleonora's Life in Korea: The reason behind the way pasta tastes in Korea can be said due to how the cuisine passed over. In this post she exams how some Western and Asian dishes transformed themselves as they made it into Korea.

2. Seoul Eats: It's possible to find the more fancy end of the pasta dish in Seoul. Here we are taken to the Tasting Room and shown a selection of yummy Italian fusion dishes.

3. Zen Kimchi: Perhaps heading out for pasta is not your thing, and you would rather make it at home. When you go to the supermarket you have choices of pre-made sauce you could buy. Here he found an odd Bulgolgi sauce and gave it a try.

It's fun trying new foods in Korea and can be even more exciting to try old favorites and have them taste fresh and new. What good Italian flavored places do you know to go to in Seoul?

Abundance Yum!: Korean Snack Food

You can find a convenience store on nearly every corner here in Seoul. Like most quick-stop places they offer bottled drinks, candy and of course snacks. As a new comer to this land you stare at the shelf and wonder what would be best to try. If you adventurous you'll try the one with the image of an octopus or shrimp on it. But if you are a bit timid you'll go with the usual potato chips or cookies. Today we are going to look at Korean snacks bloggers have blabbed about and see how they fare.

1. The Korea Blog: Let's start of with a list of popular choices. Shrimp chips seem to taste yummy to folks out there.

source

2. Zen Kimchi: Then there are the array of ice-creams one could choose from during those hot summer days. How about a peachy flavored one? I for one have tried and find it delightful.

3. The Seoul Patch: Korea has their own version of onion rings in snack form. I think I have tried these before and found them too salty. Who cares, when they come as a bonus?

4. Paul Ajosshi: Sometimes you can be handed random snacks from friends and colleagues. Here he was given a delicious treat from Jeju. 

Have any favorite snacks stacked up in your house? Let us know ~

Abundance Found: Eight

I thought I would dust off the "Abundance Found" category and get one put up, as it has been a while. So here is another round of random and fun finds on the K-blogosphere that are buried in the past of expat blogs.

1. Bobster's House: Have you ever considered what an beverage from North Korea might taste like? Well step no further as here is a review of such a thing. Quite a funny story and a good read.

2. The Constant Crafter: A great blog featuring the array of crafts one can make and find in Korea. Here we see her going to the Gwangjang Market for craft supplies but also gets a sight of interesting foods. Check it out!

3. Bathhouse Ballads: Have you ever heard of "vacation fashions"? Neither have I, but after reading this post I come to understand a certain phenomena in Korea. Apparently, perms can be discounted over vacation time and students like to take advantage. Definitely a wacky post worth reading. (Along with their hair...nails are also an essential make-over.)

4. Inhale. Exhale. Repeat: Kimbop is practically a staple food in this country. You can get it cheap and when you are really hungry and on your way somewhere, it makes for a quick and easy bite. Every neighborhood has several kimbop places. After a while you tend to learn which one is your favorite. This is true for our students, and in this post we get to hear about how she learned of a good kimbop place.

Anything you read recently on the K-blogosphere that caught your attention? Do share ~

Aundance Yum!: Side Dishes (banchan)

You come to learn the different types of side dishes at Korean meals, while living here. There are ones you love and hate. Then there are those you just aren't ever sure about. Today I am taking you into the area of side dishes for Abundance Yum! I hope this helps you see the variety that are out there and maybe gives you an idea of what to try next time.

1. The Seoul Patch: First, I take you to a good post that can give you a general idea of how banchan appears at the meal. Many little dishes with varying pickled or steamed things. Check the post for good pics and also a show of other various Korean food.

2. Zen Kimchi: Coming from the power blogger himself is an article highlighting his 10 favorite banchan. As you scroll down things are looking good, but I'm not a fan of the marinated squid or crab. However, this gives a great breadth of the variety and also what makes them so yummy.

3. Alien's Day Out: Looking to make some at home? Here we have a kidney bean recipe that indeed turns out to look quite tasty.

4. "Wife" in Korea: Again another recipe, but this time using anchovies. I'm not a fan of this kind of banchan. But perhaps you have wondered how the little fishes turn into a side dish.

My favorite side dishes are the cucumber pickles or ones made from potatoes. It all depends on the restaurant and what is in season, I guess. Have any comments on what your favorite banchan is?

Abundance Buzz: Christmas in Korea

For some they go home and share presents in person, but for must of us Christmas is another holiday spent in Korea. It is a good time to meet up with new and old friends and celebrate. Also it can be a great way to observe how Korean people enjoy this time of year. For sure, things like the Christmas tree and lights have taken over this country more and more. Here for you are a selection of Kbloggers who have had good times this holiday season.

1. 유♥웃: Here you can see what Christmas time is like at the charming Lotte World.  You can see she had a lot of fun.

2. CocoinKorea: Like I said, it is a good time to gather with friends. A lot of people host a party at their house and share in good eats. Here she did such a thing and it looked like a lot of fun.

3. Paul Ajosshi: Ever pass by the Paris Baguette and see a table full of cakes? Well those are the famous Christmas Cakes of Korea. Here Paul gives us a cake that is likely far better than the ones sold on the street.

4. ZenKimchi: But maybe you are still curious about the standard Korean Christmas Cakes. Well take a look at last year's fare all lined up.

5. Wonju Wife: A little something here for you to ponder and well laugh at. It is a guest post by Roboseyo and one that will get you thinking about Santa.

Seriously, though the thought of buying a cake specifically for Christmas is not something I recall doing when I was young. However, sometimes they can be so cute, you can't resist! What do you have planned for this special time of the year? I hope you have time off and get to rest before camps come. (I know I will!)

Abundance Found: 7

What is lurking out there amongst the Kblogosphere that could be both random and amusing? Let's take another spin around and find out!

1. Bobster's House: Looking for something traditional and that you can eat? Here I found a post about a dish that involves duck and spices. I have had roasted duck in Korea, and found it to be very yummy, but never had duck soup. Check the post out to learn a thing or two.

2. Wet Casements: Maybe it comes with living in an urban setting, but you begin to get use to that walls become places for markings. These markings can be the usual graffiti scrawl, but nowadays they tend to lean in an artistic direction. On this post were some colorful walls that happen to be in Daegu.

3. Elyse Marie: Sometimes you just gotta do it yourself. Here she took herself on a date. If you haven't been to her blog it is full of great photography. This whimsical post will surely brighten your day.

I leave you here with those random finds to ponder over. By the way, if there is a KBlog you read that gets your noodle wet, then please do share!

Abundance Yum!: Something South of the Border

Today I am taking you away from the kimchi and gochujang to the wonderful world of tacos and hot sauce. I am talking about Mexican or Mexican-inspired food found in Korea. For most folks who have a craving for Mexican food, and live in Korea, they know that there isn't some place to go next door. (Unless you are lucky) Instead you have to travel to Hongdae or Itaewon to find something up that alley. Here we take a look at folks who have found something Mexican-like here in the land of water-kimchi.

1. The Seoul Patch: It was big news when Taco Bell finally came to town a while back. And so many Kbloggers picked up their Tcards and headed for some American-Mexican food. I myself have enjoyed a few items from here, but definitely miss the whole menu.

2. A Search for Happiness: Then sometimes you think you are getting something Mexican inspired, but it seems the inspiration is lacking. Some place called, "The Holy Grail" didn't quite live up to expectations.

 

3. Kiss My Kimchi: A location in Gangnam, where Mexican food places are starting to pick up one can find a place called, "The Tacos." Certainly a clear message with the name of the restaurant. Did it win over the taste buds of this writer? Well go check the link and find out.

The Weird
The complete name is The Tacos Uncle 29 Mexican Grill… Just who is this Uncle 29?

4. Zen Kimchi: If you just don't feel like trekking the distance than try a popular fusion food of Korean tacos. Here the writer Tammy gives us a yummy recipe to try out.

I hope that got you hungry as I certainly now have a craving for something wrapped in a tortilla!

Abundance Thinks: Eating Dogs

It's a topic that will inevitably come up if you are planning to come to Korea or already here. That is the topic of the Korean cuisine known as boshintang (보신탕) a soup that includes dog meat. I for one have never tried this food and still can't as I just don't see myself eating dog meat. But there are other foreigners in Korea who have tried it out and lived to tell the tale. Included in today's "Abundance Thinks" are those experiences along with posters who have spent some time talking on the humane side of the subject. I hope these posts clear some questions you might have about this kind of food in Korea.

1. In My Time...: An old traveler to Korea, but had a boshintang experience. Here she gets a "pot of dog" and goes at it. Certainly she knew about the controversy but wanted to try it anyways. To hear about the taste and experience check out the post.

2. Hangook Summer: Here we take another person's experience, but this time he just watched his friend eat it.

3. Roboseyo: Now let's get into the issue of raising and slaughtering dogs for meat. Rob highlights for us the animal and cultural rights that this cuisine has created. He articulately gives us an understanding from many view points and also gets you thinking about whether it is right of us to come in and try to change this aspect of Korean culture. Check out the post for a good read.

4. Karori to Korea: Generally speaking there have been times I have wondered if Korea even has an animal rights group. I've seen animals on TV programs abused and handled in awful ways. Well on this post we see that people do care and even take their angst to the streets.

The topic of eating dog meat might come up someday with your Korean counterparts at work. It might be a good idea to get an understanding of the issue from all sides before leashing out some opinions. Remember not all Korean people eat dog meat and some even don't want to. In that case, don't assume all people in Korea eat it or support the practice. I hope these posts give you insight into the taste and political aspects surrounding this kind of food.

Abundance Yum!: Seafood

Korean cuisine is one that has many varieties, where you can go from a tasty rice dish to a strange configuration of sea creatures. I for one am not a fan of eating seafood, especially if it isn't salmon and not cooked over an open flame with a hint of lemon. When it comes to seafood, in Korea, you can pretty much find about anything. Live octopus, sea squirts and eels are just to name a few. Now and then people try their hand at this out-of-sight food and the results can be surprising. Today I will show you a list of Kbloggers who have tried their hand at seafood dishes in Korea and came out safely on the other end.

1. The View From Over Here: Let's start off with some fresh live fish! On her post she takes us to Jeju Island where she experienced 회 or non-cooked fish. The post is a fun read and also gives you info about stuff to do when in Jeju. It definitely shows you how varied your choices are of seafood here in Korea.

2. Ah-lum-dahp-da: From fish I now take you to the spiky crab. In this post she ventures to Yeongdeok for some very delicious but also expensive crabs. Another good post here and also one that shows you another side of Korea you may not have seen before.

3. Buhay sa Korea: What do you think when I say the word, "fishballs"? Probably not exactly appetizing thoughts. I for one don't like odeng but a lot of other people do. In this post we go into the kitchen and see the author cook up some fish balls. Go check it out to see what it is all about.

4. Shinshine: Lastly I take you to the wonderful world of octopus. You cannot get me to eat one of these guys, and as much as my school likes to hide little bits inside pancakes or soup I still refuse. But there are many people out there who just love to eat up this 8 legged creature. Here you can see a recipe and also maybe learn something?

KOREAN WORDS
	silken tofu	순두부	(sun du bu)
	oyster	굴	(gul)
	garlic chive	부추	(bu chu)

Maybe the next time your out looking for something to eat perhaps you will be interested in the creatures of the sea for your next dinner. If so do share it with us. :)

Abundance Go's: Summer Destinations

If you are like me and a teacher here in Korea, than you are bound to have some time off during the summer. Either it be a week or a month you know you want to get away from your area and see someplace new. For some people going back home and relaxing in these comforts is their destination. For other's they seek out new places in Korea or go beyond the border. Today we will explore places other folks have been to during their summer vacation and see just how endless the possibilities are.

1. Coco Busan: In this ticklish title called, "Time Travel on Route 97: Jeju" you can tell you are in for a treat. Exploring new possibilities on your vacation is a great idea to enjoy your time off. When you are somewhere new it is often a good idea to take the advice of someone and go in a different direction. In her post you can see just a few wonders of her trip.

2. Xweing away in Korea: Sometimes for a few of us just hitting the beaches isn't enough. When you are traveling it also a good idea to get in some of the cultural sites to see. Here she took a trip to Gyeongju where you can definitely see some great historical artifacts.

3. Kiwi Wonju Blogger: He took a trip to Japan where he made a hike on Mt. Fuji. A part of his series while in Japan last year you can see some great photos and read even better stories.

4. The Harrington Times: Maybe getting out and exploring South Asia is one of the better options. Either you go in the winter to warm up or go in the summer to just enjoy the beaches. Here on their post they show some eats and highlights from their visit to Chiang Mai.

Wherever you are going on your summer vacation this year I wish you safe travels and a fun time.

Abundance Yum!: Home Cooking

Although you can go out and get great food in Korea, both domestic and foreign, most of us cook at home. Either we are making something familiar (western style) or trying other country's recipes, home cooking can be very soothing to the wearied expat.

Today's post of Abundance Yum! will bring you around the Kblogosphere to show you different folks making home cooked meals. Hopefully, this will inspire you to take out your own pots and pans and cook up something delicious in your kitchen.

1. International Cat Lady of Mystery: She claims not to be a cook, in this post, but as you read you can definitely see that she made up a lovely little dinner. It is in the Korean taste and also very helpful if you want to make a particular seaweed soup. Take a look at the post to see a simple yet satisfying meal.

2. A Geek in Korea: When you are living with someone it is common to share the cooking duties. "I cooked last night, so it's your turn." Is what you might here in such a household. Over at "Geek in Korea", he shares the cooking with his wife. In this post you get to hear about their cooking experiences but also their times getting the ingredients. As most of us know, grocery shopping in Korea can be quite grueling.

3. Wonju Wife: Sometimes cooking at home can get really creative, and it happened here in her post about the creation "Junk Spaghetti." Including all the ingredients and directions like, "olive oil to your delight", you can find a fun recipe that will function as both a delicious meal and a way to get rid of extra stuff in your fridge. I highly recommend this read as it is fun and yummy.

4. Paul Ajosshi: A post about home cooking wouldn't be complete without a mention of Paul's good eats. In this post he shares with us a concoction of fried rice, which certainly looks yum-yum!

No matter what, cooking at home is best enjoyed when sharing it with other people. That is why I encourage you to get other folks inside your shoebox-apartment and share some good old wholesome food.

If you have any favorite meals you make at home, please share them with us as I am sure people would love to get some ideas.