Trying local food is the second most popular factor Koreans consider when deciding on a staycation, according to digital travel platform Agoda’s Domestic Travel Survey 2020. As more and more people seek places of charm across the country, a great deal of interest is being drawn to gourmet touring in search of the hidden tastes of each region. You can enjoy food which stimulates all senses, while also getting to know unique stories behind foods in the area, making it an unforgettable travel experience. As part of its Agoda Culinary Adventures campaign, Agoda partnered with three social influencers to explore three destinations where to find Korean cuisines that tantalize your palate.
Colorful tastes of Jeju
Widely known for its emerald-colored sea and spectacular volcanic scenery, Jeju is the best place to enjoy unique tastes. Start the culinary adventure near the airport with a hot bowl of haejangguk, a soup traditionally eaten as a hangover cure, but also a hearty broth perfect to satisfy one’s appetite before hitting the road. It offers a rich and refreshing taste as it contains dried cabbage and bean sprouts. In the past when resources were scarce, pork was a prized asset and became an integral ingredient in local cuisine. There are a variety of pork dishes available on the island, from savory grilled meat such as five-layered pork belly to sundae, a Korean-style blood sausage. Jeju is also famed for its Jeju Black Pork, which travelers can try along Tapdong’s Black Pork Street. Also recommended are local dishes made from seafood found offshore, such as gulf weed, top shell, and sea urchin. Find a base for a gourmet tour at one of the 3,100 accommodations offered by Agoda on Jeju, including Hidden Cliff Hotel & Nature located at the Jungmun Tourist Complex.
Taste local history in Busan
Busan is a place where visitors can taste food with a history. Pork soup (dwaeji-gukbap), one of Busan’s signature dishes, became popular during the Korean War. With its milky soup and savory smell whetting the appetite, it is the best dish to ease tourists’ hunger. Choryang Pork Ribs Alley, famous for its sweet pork ribs and tantalizing scents, reflects the heartbreaking history of the city, as a place where exhausted pier workers used to eat and rest after the war. Culture buffs can visit the oceanside Haedong Yonggung Temple for its history, architecture beauty and stunning sea views, before heading to Gijang for tasty anchovy course meals. Savor them raw, grilled or deep-fried or even in stew. For visitors planning on taking a gourmet tour of Busan, take a look at Hotel Oia next to the Dadaepo Beach or the other. 1600 properties for families, couples or solo travelers listed on Agoda.
Yeosu, the best taste of sea
Yeosu, which is famous for its romantic night sea, offers a taste of the southern sea. The essence of delicious cuisine in South Jeolla Province can be found in a set menu with soy sauce marinated crab, often dubbed as “rice thief dish”. With crabs marinated in juicy, sweet and salty seasoning, it’s impossible not to eat it with bowls of rice and side dishes! Pocha Street located inside the Gyodong Market is well-known for other various delicacies, not only samhap, a combination of seafood, meat and kimchi, but also geumpungsaengi (also called gunpyeongseon) known as the favorite fish of Admiral Lee Soon-shin. Looking to taste raw fish fresh from the sea, try the less commonly found tonguefish and pike eel. Top off a gourmet trip to Yeosu, with a stay at one of over 500 accommodations offered by Agoda in Yeosu, including Sono Calm Yeosu which offers cool ocean views?
Agoda’s Culinary Adventures have taken place in Taiwan, Vietnam, Indonesia and Korea. For more details visit Agoda’s Youtube Channel.
