Let’s face it, you see those honey butter-coated peanuts or those tteokbokki potato chips everywhere and you start to get tired of that once addictive taste; It’s not even real honey or butter. Are these snacks even representative of what Korea has to offer in terms of sweet treats? We don’t mean bingsu either.

Just ask any ahjumma or ahjussi what are the snacks they think are representative of their rich Korean culture and history. We have an inkling it might be on this list of 8 Traditional Korean Snacks That Are Better Than Your Honey Butter Chips. These snacks can be found at most Korean traditional markets and some at more popular tourist destinations like Myeong-Dong.

Photo Credit: Living Nomads

DALGEONA – KOREAN BURNT SUGAR LOLLY

We’ve all seen the ahjummas on the streets of Myeong-Dong and Dongdae-Mun stirring a small skillet over a flame while students, children and couples look eagerly. If you walk over and take a closer look, you’ll find Dalgeona of all shapes displayed on styrofoam boards, awaiting their next lucky recipient.

Dalgeona is made with sugar and baking soda, melted then poured and pressed with various shape cutters. It’s a fun street candy where children challenge their friends to cut out the shape that has been pressed. It has a caramel flavour with a toasted aftertaste, melting quickly on your tongue!

Photo Credit: Kimchimari

DASIK – TEA COOKIES

Dasik are one-bite pressed cookies made with fried grain powders such as rice or soybean flour. They sometimes contain oriental medicinal herbs, flower pollen and honey, but in modern days, more popular flavours would include matcha and black sesame. These bite-sized babies are usually accompanied by traditional Korean tea.

Did you know Dasik was introduced to Korea from India? This stemmed from India’s Buddhist beliefs and the tea culture that came along with it. 

Photo Credit: Flickr

GANGJEONG – KOREAN SWEET RICE PUFFS

Coming in a spectrum of vibrant colours, Gangjeong are often served during important festivals and events such as birthdays, weddings and New Year’s. These meringue-like morsels resemble giant Rice Krispies, bearing a chewy glutinous rice flour center while coated in various kinds of toppings. Such toppings include sesame seeds, rice puffs and coloured nuts and powders.

Ganjeong has a syrup-like taste that is offset by their nut or puffed rice coatings. Their chewy, puffed texture results from it being first steeped in room temperature oil and left to fry as the oil temperature is increased.

Photo Credit: Maangchi

JEONGGWA – HONEY-BOILED FRUITS

Jeonggwa is a Korean confection is fruit or root-based, having the various bits boiled in honey and then coated with all kinds of crunchy grains. They sometimes have similar texture to jellies and soft candy.

The most popular kinds are beetroot, lotus root and various kinds of citrus. They are then usually coated with sesame seeds. The honey adds sweetness to the earthiness of the roots and the sesame adds a nice crunch. These could be your new soft candy replacement in Korea!

Photo Credit: SaungKorea

YAKGWA – HONEY COOKIES

Also eaten mostly during important occasions like birthdays and celebrations, Yakgwa is as delicious as it is meaningful to traditional Korean culture. These chewy golden-brown cookies are made from honey, sesame oil and ginger then deep-fried. They aren’t the healthiest but they are only served once or twice a month so, it’s okay to make the most of it.

The cookies are super sweet, flavourful and addictive. One bite will have you hooked and craving a whole jar. They might possibly re-define the meaning of finger-licking good.

Photo Credit: Kimchi People

YAKSIK – STICKY RICE CAKES

Traditionally, Yaksik is a sticky rice cake filled with more oriental ingredients such as chestnuts and other dried fruits, as well as honey. Yak means “medicine” in Korean, while Sik means “food”. This is because honey is believed to be a food that is good for longevity, so a lot of these traditional snacks are honey-based.

In more modern days, there are more innovative shapes and flavours to Yaksik. They are used to mimic popular toys and Korean characters, featuring flavours such as cheese or cranberries to give a natural colouring to the cakes.

Photo Credit: WeHeartIt

TTEOK – KOREAN RICE CAKES

Tteok is probably the most well-known snack here on this list but don’t mistake this for tteokbokki, even if they are similar. Tteok is a broader category of rice cakes while Tteokbokki is a savoury dish made from plain tteok. Try saying that really fast.

Sweet tteok are traditional Korean rice cakes that are either stuffed with fillings or coated in roasted bean powders (injeolmi). They have a similar texture to Japanese mochi but are a little less soft. Tteok is enjoyed by Korean families during New Year’s and birthdays, served up with an array of vibrant colours.

Photo Credit: VisitKorea

YEOT-GANJEONG – NUT CANDY BARS

Similar to Ganjeong but cut into neat little squares is Yeot-Ganjeong. Yeot refers to the fermented starch-filled grains that are boiled, turning into malt. The malt is then topped with grains, nuts and dried fruits and cut into squares.

It has a similar texture to candy or granola bars, just without the artificial sweeteners and crazy ingredients. The most popular flavours for Yeot-Ganjeong are the ones coated in black sesame seeds or peanuts.

With the bursting popularity of Korean pop culture in recent years, South Korea has seen a huge influx of foreigners on their shores dying to know more about the country. It’s capital Seoul, together with Busan as well as Jeju-do are the tourist hotspots. But South Korea is more than these cities!

With 85 cities, this large peninsula has plenty to offer – from amazing food and breathtaking views to rich history and culture. So on your next trip to South Korea, consider taking some time to visit other parts of the country, and see what these underrated cities have to offer.

Seeing as how the Hallyu Wave is not dying down any time soon, here are just 5 cities other than Seoul to get you started on your journey to explore the beautiful country of South Korea.

BORYEONG

Located on the west coast of the Korean peninsula is the quiet town of Boryeong, home to the biggest summer festival in Korea. Just for two weeks in July every year, everyone from locals to foreigners flock to Daecheon Beach where the Boryeong Mud Festival is held to get down and dirty with mud.

First established in 1998, the purpose of the mud festival is to promote the region’s mineral-rich mud that is beneficial for the skin. At the festival, you can expect a lot of fun, from mud wrestling and mudslides to K-Pop performances and spectacular fireworks during the opening and closing ceremonies.

Daecheon Beach is also lined with seafood restaurants with grilled clams as a specialty, so be sure to grab a meal there!

DAMYANG

Those looking to get away from the hustle and bustle of the city life, Damyang is the perfect place for you. It is in this small town in the southern province of Jeollanam-do where you can find the largest bamboo forest in Korea. Although this expansive bamboo forest – known as Juknokwon – is not as famous as Kyoto’s Arashiyama, it is nonetheless breathtaking.

Walk through the tall bamboo groves and enjoy the fresh air of the countryside. Within the compound, you can find a hanok village, an observatory as well as a museum where you can get bamboo ice cream!

Another attraction of Damyang is Metasequoia Road – a boulevard lined with beautiful Metasequoia trees. Incredibly photogenic, the best time to view it is in summer or autumn.

Photo Credit: leslyc_official_xo

GANGNEUNG

Beyond the mountainous region of Gangwon-do lies Gangneung a popular seaside getaway for locals. The largest coastal city of South Korea, Gangneung is now more accessible with the KTX that was built for the 2018 Winter Olympics.

Visit the Jungang Market to get your fill of Korean street food from Jungang Market or Chodang Tofu Village which is lined with restaurants specializing in soondubu jjigae (soft tofu stew). Gangneung is also known for being the city of coffee, that’s why you’ll find over 40 coffee shops along Anmok Coffee Street.

Since you’re in a coastal city, you obviously have to see the sea! Stroll along Gyeongpo Beach, watch the sunrise at Jeongdongjin Beach or reenact the famous scene from Goblin at Jumunjin Beach. We can totally understand why locals love Gangneung so much, there’s just so much to do and see in here!

INCHEON

The first thing that comes to mind when you think of Incheon is probably Incheon International Airport – the gateway to South Korea. Most of the time, people tend to overlook this port city.

Chinatown is the main attraction of Incheon and where the famous Korean-Chinese dish of jjajangmyeon (black bean noodles) originated so you’ll definitely find many Chinese restaurants selling this here. There is even a museum for it! Behind Chinatown is Freedom Park which offers a panoramic view of the port and is incredibly beautiful during spring when the cherry blossoms have bloomed.

Also in the vicinity is Songwol-dong Fairy Tale Village which is dotted with brightly-coloured murals and sculptures of Disney characters and other childhood favourites. Easily reached by the subway from Seoul, there’s no reason for you to skip this port city the next time you’re in South Korea!

JEONJU

An enchanting city rich in culture and history situated in the southern part of the Korean peninsula, Jeonju is another popular weekend destination for locals. Jeonju is also known to be the gastronomical capital of South Korea, with it being recognized as a UNESCO City of Gastronomy in 2012.

Right in the heart of the city is Jeonju Hanok Village, with over 700 hanok houses which have been converted into boutiques, cafés and restaurants. Consider renting a hanbok to explore the area and definitely have the traditional Jeonju bibimbap for a meal to complete your experience.

Just a short walk away is Jeonju’s very own Jaman Mural Village which is splashed with murals of familiar animations such as Spirited Away and My Neighbour Totoro.

Come the next holiday and you are thinking of yet another destination to relax, unwind, and simply escape the taxing life back at school or work. Undeniably, South Korea is one of the hottest spots for tourists all over the world especially due to the growing popularity of Korean pop culture.

However, South Korea is more than just a destination for shopping, makeup hauls, Korean fried chicken and admiring oppas.

If you are planning for a trip to South Korea and are looking for accommodation that is nothing short of exciting, out-of-the-world and somewhat quirky, here are 9 themed pensions in South Korea that will definitely make your time in South Korea an amazing one.

Photo Credit: everydaykorea

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UNIQUE PENSION

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Have you ever imagined that you could be sipping on soju inside a giant soju bottle, or slurping up some instant Korean ramyeon in a gigantic instant noodle bowl?

Unique Pension will grant you the most interesting and unforgettable stay in your lifetime—here, guests sleep in a giant noodle cup, Starbucks cup, a Heineken can and even a minivan. What’s more, this pension is located in Gapyeong where you can get easy access to the ever-popular Nami Island.

Address: 1689-23, Hoban-ro, Gapyeong-eup, Gapyeong-gun, Gyeonggi-do 12429, South Korea

Photo Credit: 10mag

COSY THEME PENSION

If Unique Pension is not enough, Cosy Theme Pension’s rooms are also next-level interesting.

Housing the same concept as Unique Pension, what you can expect here is nothing short of fun, innovative and adorable themed rooms, including one that resembles South Korea’s iconic banana milk bottle. Say what?!

Address: 604, Buk-myeon, Baekdun-ri, Gapyeong-gun, Gyeonggi-do, South Korea

Photo Credit: Bomun World Pension

BOMUN WORLD PENSION

Bomun World Pension is one of the most popular properties in the area and they are particularly well-loved by couples seeking a retreat. Here, guests can take their pick from a range of gorgeous fairytale-themed rooms.

The best part? Bomun World Pension is conveniently located right beside Bomun Lake—one of the prime spots to view cherry blossoms in South Korea!

Address: 22, Cheongun 1-gil, 38118 Gyeongju, South Korea

Photo Credit: Korea Tourism Organisation

SEOMJINGANG RAIL VILLAGE

Though it is one of Korea’s major rivers, Seomjingang River remains as one of the most underrated tourist destinations over there.

With that in mind, if you are searching for a place to have a tranquil getaway, this would be it. Built to resemble a steam engine train that used to run in that region years ago, the rail takes a route along Seomjingang River from Chimgok Station to Gajeong Station and guests sleep inside the train before waking up to picturesque views of the river outside.

Address: 232, Gichamaeul-ro, Ogok-myeon, Gokseong-gun, Jeollanam-do

Photo Credit: blogdaum

HAPPY HOUSE SANTORINI

Santorini—one of the most well-loved tourist destinations of late famed for their blue and white walls that are utterly beautiful. Well, if Santorini is too far and expensive a place for you, you’d be glad to hear that South Korea has a substitution for it.

As its name suggests, Happy Housse Santorini is constructed to resemble Santorini’s white and blue themed hotels. Decked out in minimalistic blue and white colours—the hallmark of Santorini’s cubiform houses—, this small 20-room pension is what you should keep in mind for your next trip to South Korea.

Address: 80-32 Salgoji-gil, Seosin-myeon, Hwaseong-si, Gyeonggi-do Province

Photo Credit: weegypsygirl

SUN CRUISE RESORT AND YACHT

Perched on one of Jeongdongjin’s mountains, Sun Cruise Resort and Yacht is a hotel designed to resemble the Royal Caribbean International Sovereign Class cruise ship and it is by far, the first of its kind in the world.

Its location grants guests the most beautiful and magnificent panoramic vista of the East Sea, making the hotel one of the most popular destinations for people all over the country to unwind at. What’s more, the resort has plenty of restaurants, facilities and even a park located adjacent to the resort to make your stay as entertaining as possible.

Address: 950-39 Heonhwa-ro, Gangdong-myeon, Gangneung, Gangwon-do, South Korea

Photo Credit: michellelvie

ALADDIN PENSION

To say that this pension looks like it came straight out of a movie would be an understatement.

Aladdin Pension houses 11 separate rooms in 4 different buildings, all of which come with an indoor whirlpool for you to take a dip as you like. Marketed to be a “couple pension”, we reckon that there is no better way to spend a holiday with your other half then at Aladdin’e Pension.

Address: 152 Gubong-gil, Daebubuk-dong, Danwon-gu, Ansan-si, Gyeonggi-do, South Korea

Photo Credit: everydaykorea

GULLIVER’S TRAVEL PENSION 

Yes, we have already established that South Korea has no lack of beautiful and adorable themed pensions by now. But Gulliver’s Travel Pension may quite possibly take the cake as the most whimsical and magical one of them all.

This resort screams ‘enchanting’ right from the get-go—purple-hued rooms adorned with furnishings that make guests feel like royalty, restaurant on a makeshift pirate ship and a pub and café in the resort itself, Gulliver’s Travel Pension must be on your bucket list when in South Korea.

Address: 1870-98 Daebubuk-dong, Danwon-gu, Ansan-si, Gyeonggi-do

HAPPY WORLD JONGIHAK PENSION

Retreat from the monotony of the city and unwind in Jongihak Pension, where guests will be staying in a surreal tree house or a mushroom-style pension.

This fantasy-themed pension in Incheon doesn’t have any chandeliers nor elegant furnishings but trust us when we say that it will still blow your mind nonetheless. From tree stumps to mushrooms to paper cranes, every one of their pensions is undeniably adorable—perfect for your little ones!

Address: Seonjae-ri, Yeongheung-myeon, Ongjin-gun, Incheon

Hadongkwan is a traditional Korean restaurant in Myeongdong that serves only two items on their menu—Gomtang (thick beef bone soup) and Suyuk (boiled beef or pork slices).

Having been around for 80 years, Hadongkwan has made a name for itself among locals and tourists who love to drop by for a comforting bowl of Gomtang, especially during winter. Only the highest grade of ingredients are used and no artificial flavourings are added to their food.

If you are looking for a light and nutritious breakfast or lunch option at Myeongdong street, Hadongkwan is where you should go to. 

Originally located in a back alley near Cheonggye Stream when they first started out, the restaurant was demolished due to redevelopment initiatives and it has since moved to central Myeongdong.

Despite scaling up, Hadongkwan has retained its original wooden signboard, doors and furniture so long time customers still feel that sense of nostalgia.

Their signature dish is the Regular Gomtang (W12,000), which is Korean beef soup with rice. The light, yet flavourful soup is the result of boiling beef and radish for hours and only using natural ingredients. We enjoyed the clean soup tremendously and it was made better with savoury beef slices.

For those who find it too light to their liking, add some fresh spring onion and salt into the soup. All diners are given radish kimchi as sides as well to spice up their meal.

Looking for something better? You have to go for their Special Gomtang (W15,000) instead. On top of beef slices and rice, diners are also treated to a generous portion of tripe as well—what you get is a variety of textures from the soft rice, tender beef and chewy tripe slices.

The best part about Hadongkwan is that the restaurant offers free soup refills, so do not be shy about asking for more soup from the friendly waitresses!

Hadongkwan
12, Myeongdong 9-gil
Jung-gu, Seoul
Daily: 7am – 4pm
Nearest Station: Euljiro il-ga

For more recommendations, read our Seoul’s features to discover the best things to see, do and eat in the city.

Korean BBQ restaurants in Seoul are on a whole new level—think high-quality meat at lower prices, using only charcoal grills to give the meat a smokey taste. 

If you are looking for a good Korean BBQ restaurant that is conveniently located in Myeongdong, we highly recommend Wangbijib restaurant for its delicious range of grilled meat and easy accessibility.  

Wangbijib currently has three branches in Seoul and the outlet at Myeongdong is nestled within the second level of a building. Although the restaurant looks spacious, the seating capacity is limited so do expect to queue if you are visiting during peak hours.

One thing to note at Wangjibip is that they have great ventilation systems so you would not leave the restaurant smelling like Korean BBQ.

While prices are not the cheapest in the city, the Korean restaurant is very popular among locals and tourists because of the obvious difference in quality as compared to other KBBQ joints in Seoul.

Wangjibip offers free-flow Banchan. We had the standard banchan dishes such as steamed bean sprouts, broccoli, kimchi and fresh lettuce. Feel free to get a bottle of soju to complete your dining experience!

Moving onto the best part—the glorious meat!

We had the Grilled Assorted Premium Beef (W33,000 for 150g) which is a mixture of different premium beef cuts. The luscious cuts of meat were bright red in colour and came with a good layer of melt-in-your-mouth beef fats.

The servers at Wangbijib are trained to grill the meat for you so all you have to do is sit back and watch the magic happen.

Our medium rare beef slices were grilled to perfection; tender and flavourful on every bite, with a subtle smokey taste thanks to the charcoal. We are still salivating at the thought of it!

If you look closer, you will notice that Portobello mushrooms are given at the side as well. They may look unassuming but all of us at the table were raving about it—the mushrooms are surprisingly juicy and sweet.

Grilled Pork Skirt Meat (W15,000 for 150g) was perfectly done as well. While it is not as tender as the beef, it has a chewy texture and is a flavoursome addition to your grill. The portion was smaller than expected but you get a better grade of meat in return.

You should also go for their Soybean Paste Stew (W4,500). Served hot from the kitchen, ours came with a generous serving of tofu and vegetables.

Wangbijib
26, Myeongdong 8ga-gil
Jung-gu, Seoul
Tel: +82 2 3789 1945
Daily: 11.30am – 10.30pm
Nearest Station: Myeongdong

When in Korea, do as the Koreans do. Plenty of tourists traverse the dazzling urban cityscapes that Seoul has to offer. However, a great deal of adventure lies beyond the nation’s capital, and within the rustic and beautiful countrysides of South Korea. Here are 3 adventures that you must experience in Korea.

Climb a mountain in South Korea’s most beautiful park

Korea is a country filled with mountains – almost 70% of land mass is covered by hilly terrain. There are a total of 20 national parks in South Korea, so there are plenty of mountains for you to choose from. People climb these massive mountains even in South Korea’s chilly winters, and the beautiful landscapes are absolutely worth the effort. Seoraksan (or Mount Seorak) is considered by many to be one of the most picturesque mountain reserves in South Korea, and it happens to also be the third highest peak in South Korea. The reserve can be reached by a short 3-hour bus journey from Seoul, and is located near the sleepy town of Sokcho, in the nation’s Gangwon province.

Seoraksan National Park is not only famous for its magnificent views, but also for its religious and cultural landmarks. You will discover plenty of Buddhist statues and temples scattered along your journey from the mountain’s base to its peak.

A taste of France, in Korea

If you are a fan of the famous children’s storybook Le Petit Prince (The Little Prince), then this is one place you will need to visit when you are in South Korea. Petite France, as its name implies, is a miniature French village and themed park, constructed in tribute to the classic French tale. Here you will find charming little French-style villas, within which houses museums, art galleries, and even a marionette puppet theatre. This park was also the shooting location for Korean dramas (Beethoven’s Virus) and variety programmes (Running Man).

Take some time to explore the village, and appreciate the French architecture and beautifully manicured shrubbery. Then make your way to any one of the bistros or cafes for a meal – make sure to snag an alfresco seat to enjoy the gorgeous views of the rivers and hills surrounding Petite France. The entrance fee is 8,000 KRW for adults; 6,000 KRW for youths; and 4,000 KRW for children.

1063, Hoban-ro, Cheongpyeong-myeon
Gapyeong-gun, Gyeonggi-do

Ride a zipline to Nami Island

Most people would take the ferry to Nami Island (Naminara). For the raging adventurer, however, there is a much more thrilling mode of passage to the little island. Ditch the conventional boat ride, and ride the Nami Skyline Zipwire (38,000 KRW) instead! The cable ride spans almost a kilometre in length and lasts for a good minute and a half, promising scenic aerial views of the Gapyeong waters and Nami Island itself.

You start your ride from the top of the Nami Zipline Tower, which is more than 24 storeys above the ground. You will zoom across the Han river, taking in panoramic views of the beautiful countryside. The ride ends as you glide into the lush Nami forests, where another adventure in Nami Island begins.

1024 Bukhangangbyeon-ro
Gapyeong, Gyeonggi-do
Nearest Station: Gapyeong Station

About the writer
Cherylene is an adrenaline junkie, with a thirst for travel and adventure. She bungee jumps, scuba dives, and hunts for the world’s most insane rollercoasters. Check out her adventures on her travel blog wandersugar, and follow her on Facebook and Instagram.