My Trip to Korea

telefotoguy

Hi guys, just wanted to share some pics during my visit to Seoul last April

#1 adorable Korean kids


#2


#3


#4


#5


#6


#7 Ginseng Chicken Restaurant


#8


#9


#10


#11


#12


#13


#14 Cherry Blossoms


#15 Strawberry Farm


#16 No, I did not ride in that.


#17


#18


#19


#20 Super Spicy Bibimbop!

kris10jo

I used to live in Seoul. These are great! Now I'm hungry for bibimbop!

LiquidElephant

Is #17 taken from 63 Building?

I went to Seoul to see some friends last June and it was an incredible experience. Unfortunately almost all my pictures were of the 'holiday snap' variety save for a few.
I'm very envious, these are excellent

As a side note, Korea was the first non-European trip I'd taken (and first time on a plane!) and I was absolutely captivated by the place.

telefotoguy

Kristen - Did you grow up in Seoul? This was my first time to visit! the bibimbop was wicked spicy! Couldn't really finish mine. Haha

LiquidElephant - yes you are correct! We went around #63 Building to look at an art exhibit at the top floor, then watched a 'concert' after the bibimbop dinner.

I'm envious, I haven't been to any European country yet. Do you live in Europe?

telefotoguy

As a side note, I was usually the last person back in the bus due to all the 'picture stops' I kept making. Good thing my tour group were pretty cool (or maybe they just mumbled to themselves).

kris10jo

Yes, I spent a lot of my childhood growing up there. My father was in the military, so we were there from '80-84 and '88-92. We made it there in '88 in time to see some of the Olympics. It's been a long time; I'm jealous of your trip!

telefotoguy

Its such as nice city. Im glad I got the chance to go. Seems like there might be a war brewing. Clinton already signified US support for South Korea. I hope they work it out though.

kris10jo

telefotoguy wrote: »

Its such as nice city. Im glad I got the chance to go. Seems like there might be a war brewing. Clinton already signified US support for South Korea. I hope they work it out though.

Me too. Half of my family is there...

WillCAD

Terrific pics Nick. i especially like #1 and #17. And the pic of the bibimbop is a great snap, too - the restaurant ought to buy it from you and use it in their advertizing.

Seems like North and South Korea have been on the verge of war ever since the treaty was signed in 1953. A Second Korean Conflict would be just as harsh and destructive as the first, so let's hope that they can keep their cool and eventually the two countries can re-unite the way Germany did.

For those of us who are not familiar with Korean food, can those of you who know give us a description of what bibimbop is made of and what it tastes like? It doesn't look spicy in the photo, but photos can be deceiving! (To me it looks like a green salad with pickled vegetables, topped with a raw egg).

kris10jo

Your description of bibimbop is pretty close. You can't see it, but there's usually rice under all the veggies (some pickled, some blanched and seasoned, some sauteed - like kimchi, spinach, bean sprouts, carrots, radish, etc.), marinated beef, and I've always seen it with the egg cooked sunny-side up. Oh, and can't forget the red pepper paste with a little sesame oil to give it a big kick! You mix it all up and eat it with a spoon. It's spicy (depending on the amount of pepper paste, of course) but delicious; my idea of comfort food.

schmoo

kris10jo wrote: »

Your description of bibimbop is pretty close. You can't see it, but there's usually rice under all the veggies (some pickled, some blanched and seasoned, some sauteed - like kimchi, spinach, bean sprouts, carrots, radish, etc.), marinated beef, and I've always seen it with the egg cooked sunny-side up. Oh, and can't forget the red pepper paste with a little sesame oil to give it a big kick! You mix it all up and eat it with a spoon. It's spicy (depending on the amount of pepper paste, of course) but delicious; my idea of comfort food.

Total comfort food! The part that's hot is the gochujang paste on top, and all the goodies mixed in are typically leftovers from different meals that you've cooked. I mean that in the best possible way of course, and that the variety differs from kitchen to kitchen. But even if you don't like spicy food you don't have to add the paste at all.

Will there are several great Korean places in the Baltimore area! I think my favorite was Jong Kak in the city, but even better was Goong Jeon in Glen Burnie.

Great photos, BTW!! Looks like it was a fantastic trip.

WillCAD

Okay, here's the hardest part - how do you pronounce bibimbop?

telefotoguy

will - bibimbop souns just like bee-beem-bop. lol.

dadwtwins

bibimbop is one of my Fav dishes especially since every family or restaurant makes a slightly different version. Yum yum.

I spent time in Seoul at my last job and I just fell in love with the food. I also love the way you captured the colorful and unique lines of the authentic architecture.