Eat in Korea

Korea have great pride in and an continuing love concern with their own cuisine. It's not special to hear a middle-aged businessman pride on that he only likes Korea food. And the variation between most Korean dishes and those favored by Westerners is as different as the Korea language and English. But there is some hope for those who simply cannot get used to the pungent smell of Gimchi. There are many western chain restaurants in Seoul (and a few in Busan and Daegu, but good luck finding one elsewhere), and there are a few independently owned Western restaurants. These restaurants cater to a younger Korean clientele, upper-class Korean families, and foreigners.

The best hotels have fine western restaurants and good Japanese and Korea restaurant; though they are pricey by Korea standards. But visitors to Korea really should try to break the language barrier and experience Korean food. There is little doubt that Korean restaurants offer the best worth and the tastiest meals in Asia.

Below is a list of types of restaurants you are likely encountered in Korea.

a. Barbecue meat restaurant
Beef and pork ad short rib are marinated in soy sauce, sesame oil, garlic, green onions, and toasted sesame seeds, then char-broiled.

b. Raw fish restaurant
Fresh raw fish is served sliced with a soy sauce or red pepper sauce. Other kinds of fish dishes such as maeun tang (hot pepper soup of fish, soybean curd, egg, and vegetables)are served.

c. Noodle restaurant
Noodle dishes are the specialty but so are easily prepared rice dishes. Some of the popular dishes are Momil guksu -buckwheat noodles served with a sweet radish sauce; odeng guksu - wheat noodles topped with oriental fishcake in a both; and Japchae -rice vermicelli stir-fried with vegetables and meat slices.

d. Steamed rice restaurant
A bowl of rice is served with a variety of gimchi, parboiled vegetables, fish and soup (usually made of soybean taste) - the basic Korea meal. Other simple dishes, such as naengmyeon and bibimbap are often on the menu.

e. Japanese restaurant
Complete with sushi, sashimi and tempura are all over Seoul, and are common in the southern port of Busan.