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$1 Happiness: Why Everyone in Korea Falls for This "Fish" in Winter

 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...
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Netflix & Chill with a $1 Bottle of Makgeolli: My Friday Night Ritual

 

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 fish cakes.


Want to try this "Local Unnie" set during your trip to Korea? Don't worry, you don't need a kitchen! You can find everything at a convenience store for around $7:


• Makgeolli: $1 


• Pre-packaged Stir-fried Kimchi: $2



• Soft Tofu: $1



• Instant Oden Cup: $3 





(Self-tip: I poured my Makgeolli into a fancy goblet for the aesthetics, but traditionally, we drink it out of these rustic brass or aluminum bowls. Isn't the vibe amazing? I think I need to buy a set of those bowls for myself soon!)



So, are you ready to join me for a cozy, meat-free night in?

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