7 Things You Have to Try in South Korea
Whether you're planning a trip or are thinking about living abroad, South Korea offers an amazing and unique experience for all. From the rich culture, to the gorgeous views, and the many things to see and do, you'll be sure to create lasting memories!
Here are 7 fun things worth doing while in South Korea.
Try Strange Foods!
There are some weird and wacky foods that are waiting to be had in South Korea! Beondegi, which is silkworm pupae (no I'm not kidding!), is a common snack and that Koreans enjoy! You will often see this served at street food carts in market areas. You may even see beondegi served as a side dish when you go out for Korean barbeque!
Feeling even crazier? Be sure to try live octopus, also known as sannakji! You can experience the feeling of ooey-gooey seafood wriggling in your mouth. Where can you find this? Head to a fish market area and check out the surrounding restaurants.
Drink Like a Local
The drinking culture is a bit different in South Korea. Taking part in some of the unique drinking experiences can be fun! For one, soju is a common alcoholic beverage that is consumed, mostly in shot form. It's liquor that tastes similar to vodka, and has an ABV of about 20%.
Another way you can take part in the local drinking culture is by drinking outside of convenience stores. Yes, that's right - drink at a convenience store. Here, it's perfectly legal and acceptable to eat and drink inside and outside of convenience stores. Almost all convenience stores have chairs and tables set up for the occasion. This is a great way to have a fun night without breaking the bank! So, pull up your plastic chair and enjoy!
Nore Bang with Friends
You may be wondering, what exactly is nore bang? It means singing room! Whether you love singing or you're embarrassed to even think about getting up and singing a song in front of your friends, you've got to give it a try!
At nore bang, you can choose a song sing along to, eat snacks, and drink late into the night. It's a great weekend activity to do with friends! Each group gets their own private area to sing and hang out.
Try Korean Barbeque
If you've heard anything about Korea, you've likely heard about the barbeque. Samgyupsal is the most common barbeque experience. Here, you will cook your own pork while socializing and drinking with friends. You'll be able to enjoy many side dishes.
When eating your barbequed meat, it's common to wrap it in lettuce or sesame leaves. If you're feeling extra spicy, add some ssamjang, which is a traditional paste.
Many Korean meals are to be enjoyed with friends, so this is the perfect way to spend an evening with your closets pals.
Visit a Themed Coffee Shop
If you like coffee, you'll be happy to know that coffee shops are all over the place in Korea. In addition, there are many themed coffee shops and cafes, waiting to be enjoyed! Each café has its own unique decorations, snacks, and drinks that fit in with the specific theme!
If you wish to spend time in Seoul, you'll find a few different Hello Kitty Cafes, a Lego café, and even a poop-themed café. That's right -poop! Your drink will be served in a toilet bowl coffee mug. Yum!
There are also many dog and cat cafes all throughout Korea. At these coffee shops, you can order a drink or have a snack and play with adorable dogs and cats! If you're looking for something to do on a lazy afternoon, why not spend it snuggled up with furry friends!
If you want a fun and different coffee shop experience, you can have one in Korea!
Check Out a Local Sauna
If you have yet to experience a Korean sauna, known as a jjimjillbang, you've got to give it a try! This is where Koreans go to relax. It's not uncommon for someone to go several times a week in order to unwind after the workday.
You can enjoy relaxing in different baths and steam rooms. You can even get a scrub down to get rid of dead skin particles, but fair warning, it's an interesting experience! When you're finished and ready to lie down and relax, head to the heated floor rest area.
If it's your first sauna experience, plan to change into comfortable sauna-provided pajamas when you're in the common room and sleeping areas and prepare to get down to your birthday suit before walking around the bath areas. It may feel a little different at first, but hey, just go with it!
Order McDelivery
Okay, the lazy fast-food loving American in me is showing! Why not order some McDelivery while in South Korea - because you can!? Yes, McDelivery exists.
You can order online or through the phone app, and within a matter of minutes, a Big Mac will be right at your doorstep! This can be a fun experience to take part in, especially if this service isn't offered in your ｃountry.
As you can see, adventures are waiting to be had in South Korea. If you're ready to try something new and want to experience the local culture and lifestyle, be sure to give the above activities a try!
Article Source: http://www.huffingtonpost.com/natasha-gabrielle/7-things-you-have-to-try-_b_9401422.html?utm_hp_ref=travel&ir=Travel
Image Source: http://www.ooyuz.com/images/2016/2/9/1457569725442.jpg
VOCABULARY WORDS:
1. Wacky (adj./ informal) ~ funny or amusing in a slightly odd or peculiar way
2. Break the bank (idiom) ~ to use up all one's money
3. Snuggle (v.) ~ to pull in close to someone
4. Unwind (v.) ~ relax after a period of work or tension
5. Birthday suit (n./ informal) ~ a slang term for the naked human body
QUESTIONS FOR DISCUSSION:
1. Aside from beondegi and sannakji what are the other wacky and unique foods would you recommend to foreigners visiting your ｃountry? Describe it/them.
2. Have you ever been to a themed coffee shop? What makes them interesting?
3. Please describe a jjimjillbang experience.
4. What is the must-try activity you think foreigners should try to make their trip to your ｃountry more memorable?
