Category: Taste of Korea

Korean citron tea, known as yuja cha, is a thick citrus preserve made from sliced yuja fruit cured in honey or sugar. While it is Korea’s favorite winter remedy for a scratchy throat, locals know it is far more than medicine. From fizzy summer sodas to savory meat glazes, a…

Photo: Andrew Dawes / Unsplash Korean red ginseng (known locally as hongsam) is South Korea’s most trusted daily wellness staple, prized for sustained stamina, improved blood circulation, and immune support. Unlike a sudden caffeine spike, its active compounds—called ginsenosides—work as adaptogens to help your body manage physical stress over time.…

Photo: Markus Winkler / Unsplash When I worked as a fashion designer in Manhattan, late-night dinner at the office was usually cup ramyun — no pot, just hot water and three minutes. You do not need hours over a stove or complicated recipes to enjoy a real Korean meal on…

Korean Seaweed Snacks: The Healthy Chip Alternative Taking Over US Shelves Photo: victoria. / Unsplash Korean seaweed snacks, known as gim, have officially moved from the ethnic food aisle to the mainstream snack shelf because they offer the perfect salty crunch without the heavy calories. In Korea, gim has long…

Beyond Shin Ramyun: Best Korean Instant Ramen Ranked for Every Palate Photo: Zoshua Colah / Unsplash I remember my mother always keeping packs of Neoguri in our cupboard in Seoul — the kelp tucked inside the packet made the broth refreshing instead of greasy. If you have only ever tried…

Samyang Buldak fire noodles turned an ordinary instant meal into a global sensory obsession by pairing intense capsaicin heat with internet challenge culture. When I was working in Manhattan’s Garment District, I once brought Buldak ramen to an office potluck, and I still laugh remembering my American coworkers frantically chugging…

Korean Street Food Guide: How to Eat Like a Local at a Pojangmacha Photo: Mike Swigunski / Unsplash I grew up in Seoul, and stopping by the neighborhood market after school to check out the new snacks was the highlight of my day. Standing in front of a buzzing street…

What to Eat in Korea: 10 Beginner-Friendly Dishes You Will Love I grew up in Seoul, surrounded by the incredible everyday flavors of traditional Korean home cooking. If you are wondering what to eat in Korea on your first trip, start with mild, savory dishes that highlight natural umami and…

Korean BBQ Guide: How to Grill and Eat Like a Local Photo: Himal Rana / Unsplash K-BBQ is more about the social rhythm than just the food; the secret is to keep the grill moving and the conversation flowing. When I was working as a fashion designer in Manhattan, I…

What Is Kimchi? A Guide to Korea’s Famous Fermented Superfood Photo: GoodEats YQR / Unsplash Kimchi is a traditional Korean side dish made of salted and fermented vegetables, most commonly napa cabbage and radishes, seasoned with chili powder, garlic, and ginger. When I was a little girl in Seoul, I…