Chef Judy Joo's wonderful television series Korean Food Made Simple had whetted my appetite to discover more of this fascinating country not just to experience the food, but the cities and countryside too. Recently I was fortunate to enjoy a whistle-stop visit to see some highlights. Starting in the capital and mega-city of Seoul, the sheer scale of the hugely built-up layout takes some orientation. This cultural super power is firmly on the fashion map, hosting luxury brand product launches and riding the 'Hallyu' wave of being cool. K-Pop music and television dramas are major industries, so too cosmetics. Household brands such as Samsung and LG are known globally, but domestic shopping knows no bounds and is a national sport. Koreans love to display their wealth as a badge of success. Opening on 1st October the long awaited Four Seasons Hotel Seoul will provide a new level of luxury accommodation in the city. Seoul bridges extremes from the ancient to modern such as the impressive Zaha Hadid-designed futuristic DDP, or Dongdaemun Design Plaza.
Culinary adventures include a traditional Korean barbeque - not in the sense of an outdoor grill over charcoal, but an indoor restaurant table-based barbeque where diners cook their own choice of meat and seafood. Definitely a healthy option and accompanied by the ubiquitous kimchi, a fermented vegetable dish and much loved by Koreans as a daily staple. Kimchi's appeal is growing beyond Korea due to it's nutritional value making it a 'super-food'. Bibimbap was a favourite of mine, comprising steamed rice with various vegetables and beef mixed together with Korean chili paste.
A highlight experience of Seoul for me was the Jingwansa Temple, less than one hour from the city centre but a world apart. Here a charming Bhuddist monk showed the group around whilst sharing soul-touching wisdom, the core message of which is 'Be Happy' and not to carry troubles and worries around with you - Let Them Go. The main temple dates back to 1011 and with a backdrop of the Bukhansan National Park provided a serene and contemplative moment of calm in an otherwise hectic itinerary.
After Seoul a long road trip to Gyeongju was justified by the delicious walnut cakes I bought unexpectedly at a motorway coffee stop - freshly cooked and a specialty of the nut growing region.
Gyeongju is often referred to as the 'museum without walls' as there are so many historical treasures designated as World Heritage Sites by UNESCO. My trip concluded in Bosun, South Korea's second largest city and situated on the south coast. The famous Haeundae Beach area is hugely popular as a holiday destination. In addition to being the world's 5th busiest port, Bosun hosts an International Film Festival; and annual International Fireworks Festival; as well as having the world's largest department store (not to mention some wonderful restaurants).
South Korea has so much to discover and its always good to have an excuse to go back somewhere. Next time I'd like to experience Jeju, a volcanic island off the south west coast.
