Published Date : Nov 09, 2015 / Edited Date : Jun 02, 2023
Kimchi, the Taste of Korea!
When thinking of traditional Korean food, what first comes to mind? Most people would probably say Kimchi. Makgeolli (rice wine), tteokbokki (spicy rice cake), bibimbap, bulgogi could also be included in this bunch. Let's not stop at recognizing these foods for their delicious taste, but take it a step further and also experience making them as well. Depending on the area and family you're from, the ingredients and methods that are used to make Kimchi are very diverse. At this location, learn how to make the most traditional type of Kimchi. To give a simple explanation, Kimchi is made by first soaking the cabbage in salt water for 5-6 hours. Different seasonings and ingredients are then added and mixed into the crevices of these wrinkly pieces of cabbage. The Kimchi-making process could seem a bit complicated but you'll find yourself getting lost in the fun as you make it side by side with your friends.
Directions to Korea House : Approximately 5 min. walk from exit 3 of Chungmuro station (충무로역).
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Along with the Kimchi-making experience, check out the Hanbok experience and the traditional Korean performances.
The Korea House has different courses that reveal different aspects of traditional Korean food such as the lunch special, palace food, and a Korean buffet with 50 types of food that you can enjoy with your mouth and eyes.
The Namsangol Hanok Village is 3 minutes away. After the traditional Korean food experience, top it off by also browsing through the Hanok neighborhoods (traditional Korean homes). Keep in mind that Myeong-dong is also nearby!
Makgeolli, Korea's Traditional Liquor
It can be said that Makgeolli (rice wine) is the alcohol with the longest history in Korea. Glutinous rice, non glutinous rice, barley, flour and other ingredients are steamed and mixed with water and a Korean fermentation starter. This mixture is then fermented and is what we know as Makgeolli. With high amounts of protein, low calorie levels, and plenty of lactic acid and yeast, it can be said that Makgeolli is indeed the leading traditional Korean liquor. This location offers a program where you can learn the ins and outs of making this ever popular rice wine. Afterwards, you will have a chance to sample it. The process of making Makgeolli may seem a bit intimidating at first but it will prove to be a unique and fun experience. First, rice is cleaned, soaked in water, and dried. Then yeast is added to the Korean fermentation starter with water. Then, everything is added to a jar and mixed together. The jar is covered with a cloth so that air can circulate and stored in a room at a temperature of 25 degrees celsius so that the fermentation process can begin. After 5-10 days of fermentation, the mixture is filtered or strained. Water is added and then the mixture is filtered again. Once you have finished this step, you are ready to enjoy your Makgeolli! Aside from Makgeolli, there is also an option to try making red pepper paste and other simple foods that involve red pepper paste.
Directions : For this particular location, public transportation is not recommended. Either take a taxi or the free shuttle. The shuttle bus can be taken from Gyeongbokgung Palace, Jogyesa Temple, Euljiro 1(il)ga, Kyobo Bookstore at a one hour interval between 10 am-8pm. (Samcheonggak) – Please refer to directions here . Website : http://www.samcheonggak.or.kr/ (Korean)
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The Samcheonggak area is also enjoyed by many as a nice place to take a walk. Visitors can relax at a café with great views and even see the whole of Seoul from atop Mt. Bugak. A drive through the popular Bugak Skyway is also an option and the famous Gilsangsa Temple in the middle of nature is a way to more properly experience Korean culture in a deeper way.
Sweet and Chewy Rice cake
Tteok (rice cake) can be enjoyed by steaming it, grilling it, frying it, and more. Wherever you go in Seoul, it is not difficult to find a place that sells rice cake. This just goes to show how much rice cake is deeply embedded in an average Korean's diet. Rice cake is something that makes you easily full with just a little and is often served as the last part of a meal. There are so many situations where rice cake is enjoyed including Korean New Years, the songpyeon (half-moon-shaped rice cake) on Thanksgiving, the steamed rice cake that you enjoy on moving day at your neighbors, the glutinous rice cake that you eat on test days for good luck, and more recently, actual cakes and other desserts that use rice cakes as an ingredient. More than you think, these rice cakes can be dressed up to be very appealing to the eye and regardless of your preference or age, it is hard not to enjoy them. The place that we introduce here allows ways for the average person to learn more about rice cakes. You can closely take a look at the different types of rice cake, the machinery involved, and the other ingredients that go into making rice cake. Of course, there is also a chance to make and eat rice cake too. The program is convenient and easy to understand for children and foreigners who may never had the opportunity before. Rice cakes are made differently according to their kind. The most common method is taking the grains or powder of non glutinous or glutinous rice and steaming it. When it is still hot, these steamed grains are pounded with a mallet. Experience your chance to make rice cakes and either enjoy them with tea or pack them to take home.
Directions : Approximately 3 min. walk from exit 4 of Jongno 3ga station (종로3가역). (Tteok Museum).
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Please note that the rice cake-making experience only lasts from 30 mins – 1 hour. Because it is relatively simple to follow along, translation services are not available. However, interpretive services (English, Japanese, Chinese) are available for the traditional Korean food-making programs.
The Tteok museum provides a chance to not only make rice cake, but other traditional Korean foods as well. Just make sure to register in advance and check the website for details such as the price and number of people allowed.
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
희망하시는 날짜 및 코스에 활동가능한 해설사가 없는 경우 예약은 취소될 수 있습니다.
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)
Reservations must be made at least three days prior to the tour date.
Additional reservations, one or two days before the tour starts, are only allowed for the tour that is already fixed.
In the case of group tour, more than 10people, please contact us by e-mail.
Reservations for the following month are available from the 15th of the current month.
Please refrain from participating in any tour programs should you be experiencing any symptoms, including fever, coughing, congestion, muscle pain, stuffy nose, and/or sore throat.
Reservations for tourists 14 years & under without an accompanying adult or guardian shall be canceled on site.
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)
The Seoul Guided Walking Tour administration office and tour guide affiliates are not responsible for any accidents that happen to occur during the tour program.
Reservation shall be made at least 1 week before the tour day.
The course is for tourists with mobility problems (Senior, people with disability, stroller user).
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)