Hang : Korea Made Simple

 If you see the word sundae (순대) on a Korean food menu, do not expect ice cream. Korean sundae—roughly pronounced “soon-deh” —is a type of savory sausage traditionally made by stuffing pig intestines with ingredients such as pork blood, glass noodles, vegetables, and sometimes glutinous rice. The sausage is then steamed or boiled and sliced into bite-sized pieces. It is one of Korea's best-known bunsik (분식) foods, a broad category of inexpensive, casual dishes that also includes tteokbokki, gimbap, fried snacks, and eomuk. You can easily find sundae at traditional markets, street-food stalls, and casual snack restaurants. The dark color and unfamiliar ingredients may make some first-time visitors hesitate. But the flavor is usually much milder than the appearance suggests. Here is what to know before ordering sundae in Korea. 1. What Is Korean Sundae? The most familiar modern version of sundae is made with pig intestine used as a casing . Inside, the filling can include: pork blo...

How much money do you need for a one-week trip to South Korea? The answer depends on where you stay, what you eat, how often you use taxis, whether you travel outside Seoul, and how many paid attractions or activities you add to your itinerary. Still, it is possible to build a realistic Korea travel budget before you arrive. For this guide, a 7-day trip means 7 days and 6 nights , and the estimates are based on one traveler. A practical starting budget for a 7-day trip to Korea is: Budget trip: around KRW 550,000-900,000 Mid-range trip: around KRW 1,100,000-1,800,000 Comfortable trip: around KRW 2,200,000-3,500,000 or more These estimates include accommodation, food, local transportation, basic sightseeing, cafés, snacks, and everyday travel expenses. They do not include international airfare, major shopping, beauty treatments, concerts, luxury restaurants, or expensive private tours. For most travelers, accommodation is the biggest expense. Public transportation and many cultural ...

Traveling in South Korea is generally easy, but a few everyday customs may feel unfamiliar if it is your first visit. Do you need to tip at a Korean restaurant? Is it okay to sit in a pink subway seat? Should you remove your shoes before entering a restaurant? Can you make phone calls on public transportation? The good news is that you do not need to memorize a long list of complicated Korean etiquette rules before your trip. Most everyday etiquette in Korea comes down to one simple idea: be considerate of the people sharing the space with you. Still, knowing a few local habits can make restaurants, subways, cafés, markets, tourist attractions, and other public places much easier to navigate. This practical Korea travel etiquette guide explains the customs international visitors are most likely to encounter, with a focus on situations that actually matter during a trip. 1. Korean Restaurant Etiquette for First-Time Visitors Korean restaurants can work a little differently from re...

  Japchae (잡채) is one of the easiest Korean dishes to recommend to someone trying Korean food for the first time. It is made with chewy glass noodles mixed with vegetables, mushrooms, and often thin slices of meat, all seasoned with a lightly sweet and savory soy sauce. Unlike many Korean dishes that get their color from red chili paste or chili flakes, traditional japchae is usually not spicy . Its mild flavor makes it especially approachable for travelers who are worried about spicy Korean food. You may see japchae at Korean restaurants, buffets, traditional markets, holiday meals, and special celebrations. It is especially associated with festive tables and occasions such as birthdays and Korean holidays. Here is what you should know before trying japchae in Korea. 1. What Is Japchae? Japchae is commonly described in English as Korean glass noodles stir-fried with vegetables . The noodles are called dangmyeon (당면) . Korean dangmyeon is typically made from starch, with sweet pot...

A visit to a Korean traditional market is one of the easiest ways to experience everyday life in Korea beyond palaces, department stores, and major tourist attractions. Traditional markets are still places where local residents shop for fresh produce, seafood, meat, side dishes, and household goods. At the same time, many popular markets have become excellent destinations for travelers looking to try Korean street food in a casual setting. Markets such as Gwangjang Market and Mangwon Market in Seoul, Seomun Market in Daegu, Sokcho Tourism & Fisheries Market, and Dongmun Traditional Market on Jeju Island are well known among visitors. Smaller neighborhood markets can offer a more local experience. If it is your first time at a market in Korea, however, a few things may not be obvious. Can you pay with a foreign credit card? Should you carry cash? Are you supposed to bargain? How do you order without an English menu? How spicy is the street food? Is vegetable-filled gimbap actua...

 Visiting a jjimjilbang (찜질방) is one of the easiest ways to experience an everyday side of Korean culture that you may not see at palaces, markets, or tourist attractions. A jjimjilbang is often described as a Korean sauna, but that does not tell the whole story. Many facilities combine gender-separated public baths with heated sauna rooms, lounges, snack bars, sleeping or relaxation areas, massage chairs, and other entertainment facilities. For Koreans, the routine is familiar. For a first-time visitor, however, the layout can be confusing. Do you take off your shoes first? Are you supposed to be naked? Can men and women stay together? When do you put on the matching T-shirt and shorts? And can you actually sleep there overnight? The good news is that a jjimjilbang is quite easy to use once you understand one important rule: The bathing areas are generally separated, while the main jjimjilbang relaxation area is usually shared. One more thing is worth checking before you go. Not ...