Published Date : Sep 04, 2017 / Edited Date : Feb 13, 2019
[Travel+Leisure] Southeast Asia September 2017 Issue
Traditional kimchi
Interior of Museum Kimchikan
The recent rise in popularity of Korean food has helped introduce the world to not only its wonderful flavours but also its enormous health benefits. Yet, although many are familiar with notable highlights such as kimchi, makgeolli and rice cake, there are few that really know what goes into making them taste the way they do.
To satisfy my curiousity I embarked on a little tour of Seoul to find just what goes into preparing these tasty treats. My first stop was Museum Kimchikan, a modern kimchi museum in the heart of Insadong, one of Seoul’s more notable traditional districts. Opened to the public in 1986 as the capital’s Kimchi Museum, it was later re-branded as its current nameplate, Museum Kimchikan. It has become so well known internationally that CNN selected it as one of the world’s Top 11 Food Museums. The interior looks like what the origin of its name suggests — a ‘chankan’, a place historically set aside for making side dishes. Adorning the walls are pictures that depict the diverse aspects and stories of kimchi, all set to have visitors enjoy an immersive, cultural experience. Of course, the true take away from the visit is a chance to make your own kimchi and sample it with your family.
Next up is the Tteok Museum at the Institute of Traditional Korean Food. Here on display are various types of rice cakes along with the different methods that go into making these dishes. The museum was originated to preserve traditional kitchen tools and utensils passed down through generations. The floor plan consists of two rooms, one that showcases seasonal rice cakes that are enjoyed during Korea’s holidays and festivities, and the utensils required in making them. I’m guided to the next room, which is like being transported back in time. Here, the rice cakes are shown in a ritualistic setting to help visitors have a peek at the importance of rituals many years ago. There is also a class where visitors can make their own rice cakes using traditional ingredients.
Address: Tteok Museum (71 Donhwamun-ro, Jongno-gu, Seoul)
To cap off my tour through time, I finish off at a cozy makgeolli bar along the increasingly popular Sejong Village Food Culture Street. Situated steps away from Gyeongbokgung Station it has become a favourite among students and office workers over the years and has a great selection of makgeolli together with a tasty variety of traditional Korean dishes.
Fresh kimchi and makgeolli at Sejong Village Food Culture Street
It doesn’t take much before I’m feeling comfortable and settling in to the night rather well. I am reminded at just how fascinating and insightful food can be in understanding culture. In the case of Korea, although I’ve only sampled three very unique and enormously satisfying traditional delicacies, I am much more aware at the strict attention to detail and presentation of food in Korean culture. It only makes me want to explore Korean cuisine even further for I sense that I have only scratched the surface of what there is yet to sample.
본 코스는 보행약자(거동이 불편한 고령자, 장애인, 유모차 이용자 등)를 위한 코스입니다.
보호자를 동반하지 않을 시 이용이 불가능 합니다.※ 보행약자 1명당 보호자 최소 1인 이상 동반 ※ 전동보장구(전동휠체어, 전동스쿠터 등) 사용자의 경우 보호자 1인당 보행약자 최대 4인까지 동반 가능
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예약확인을 위해 도보관광 사무국(02-6925-0777)에서 확인 연락이 진행됩니다.(최소 5일~한달 전)3회 이상 전화통화가 이뤄지지 않을 시 예약이 취소될 수 있습니다.
해설 진행 시 발생하는 안전사고에 대해서 도보관광 사무국과 서울문화관광해설사는 책임을 지지 않습니다.
미세먼지 비상저감조치 발령 및 기타 기상악화(폭염, 태풍, 폭우 등)로 인해 도보관광 운영이 어려운 경우 모든 예약은 일괄 취소됩니다. (관광일 전날 기준)
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※ Please always check the weather warning on the day of the reservation on the site below.
(https://www.accuweather.com/en/kr/seoul/226081/weather-forecast/226081)
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You may not use the course without an assistant (or companion) ※ At least one assistant shall accompany a tourist with mobility problem ※ In case of electric assisting device users (electric wheelchair, electric scooter users), one assistant may accompany up to 4 tourists with mobility problem
Reservation may be canceled when a guide is unavailable on the desired date and course.
Seoul Guided Walking Tour Office (02-6925-0777) will contact you to confirm reservation. (At least 5 days~1 month before tour day) Reservation may be canceled when Seoul Guided Walking Tour Office cannot reach you for more than 3 times.
Seoul Guided Walking Tour Office and Seoul culture and tourism guide are not liable for the safety accidents during the Seoul Guided Walking Tour.
All reservations will be canceled in the event of a weather warning being issued. (e.g. heatwave, typhoon, heavy rain, fine dust, etc.) (Cancellation will be processed immediately upon implementation)
※ Please always check the weather warning on the day of the reservation on the site below.
(https://www.accuweather.com/en/kr/seoul/226081/weather-forecast/226081)