As the temperature drops in Korea, a very specific, sweet aroma starts to fill the streets. If you follow your nose, you’ll likely find a small street stall surrounded by people waiting in the cold. They are waiting for   Bungeoppang    Korea’s most beloved winter street snack. First things first: No, there is no actual fish in it! " Bungeo " means Crucian Carp , and " Ppang " means bread . It’s a fish-shaped waffle-like bread traditionally filled with sweet red bean paste.  For me, Bungeoppang is a "Healing Food" that tastes like my childhood.  I still remember walking home from my after-school academies on cold winter nights. I was always so hungry, but as a student, I didn't have much money.  Back then,  Bungeoppang  was unbelievably cheap—I think you could get almost 10 fish for just $1! I used to buy them one by one with my pocket money to warm my cold hands and stomach on the way home.  Now, the prices have risen, but the warmt...

 Curious about what office life in Korea is really like? At my company, we are provided with three meals a day: breakfast, lunch, and dinner.  I usually have a quick bite or a Bulletproof coffee at home for breakfast, but I rely on the company cafeteria for lunch and dinner. But here’s the challenge—Koreans absolutely love meat! The main dish is almost always something like Jeyuk-bokkeum (spicy pork), Bulgogi, Samgyeopsal, or Tonkatsu. Even the soups usually have beef in them. So, what do I eat as a Pescetarian?  Remember the "Banchan" culture I mentioned? Even if I skip the main meat dish, there are always several side dishes like Kimchi, seasoned vegetables (Namul), and seaweed. I fill my tray with those and rice. If I’m worried about protein, I sometimes bring my own canned tuna or dried seaweed (Gim)—though most days, I’m too lazy and just enjoy the veggies!  My tray might look a bit "modest" compared to others who pile on the meat, but it’s healthy, delicious, ...

 Tteokbokki is easily one of my all-time favorite meals. And guess what? It’s a dream come true for many vegetarian travelers because it’s naturally meat-free!  Made with chewy rice cakes, fish cakes (Oden), and plenty of fresh vegetables, it’s a spicy explosion of flavor. But in Korea, we take it to the next level. We love adding "Ramen-sari" (instant noodles) to make it a hearty meal, and of course, extra cheese is a must! Whether it’s a simple slice of cheddar or a mountain of mozzarella, it balances the heat perfectly. But here’s the funniest part about Korean food culture: No matter what we eat, we always finish with Fried Rice . We call it the "Korean Dessert." After finishing the noodles and rice cakes, we toss in some rice, seaweed, kimchi, and more cheese to fry it all up. It’s heaven in a pan—you absolutely have to try it! [Pro Tips for Your Tteokbokki Adventure:] • [The Combo:] Locals usually eat it as a "Combo" with Kimbap and Tempura. (Note:...

  During my recent business trip to Yangsan, I stumbled upon this incredible local spot. Can you believe this whole spread costs only 10,000 KRW (approx. $7) per person?  In Korea, we call this "Baekban"—a traditional meal that includes rice, soup, and an array of side dishes. You might notice the spicy pork (Jeyuk-bokkeum) in the center. Since my three colleagues are total meat-lovers, we ordered it as an extra dish for them ($7).  As a Pescetarian, I often find myself in "meat-heavy" restaurants to accommodate my friends or colleagues. Usually, there isn't much for me to eat, but this place was different! Even without the pork, I had a feast of my own: braised mackerel, savory soybean paste stew (Doenjang-jjigae), creamy ground soybean stew (Biji-jjigae), and ten different vegetable-based side dishes. This is the true beauty of Korean "Banchan" culture. When you order a meal, a variety of side dishes are served for free. Whether you're a meat-lov...

  Forget the fancy bars and expensive dress codes. To me, the ultimate Friday night luxury is staying in my pajamas, turning on Netflix, and pouring a cold glass of Makgeolli (Korean sparkling rice wine).  While a bottle of wine can be pricey and often goes to waste if you can't finish it, Makgeolli is the king of "Smart Spending." You can grab a bottle at any convenience store for just around $1. It’s affordable, light, and pairs perfectly with Korean flavors.  Tonight, I’ve prepared a classic "Anju" (food paired with alcohol) spread that you’d usually find at a trendy Korean pub: Tofu Kimchi and Oden-tang (Fish cake soup).  In most Korean pubs, Tofu Kimchi is served with stir-fried pork. But as a Pescetarian, I always stir-fry my Kimchi with Tuna. It’s savory, lighter, and honestly, even more delicious! For the Oden-tang, while there are amazing meal kits available, I made mine from scratch with simple ingredients I always have in my fridge: kimchi, tuna, and ...