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, ...