Beginner in Game Development, Which Engine Should I Use? Comparison of Unity vs Unreal vs Godot (Focusing on Free Engines) Choosing a Game Engine: Know This First: 5 Key Q&A Q1. What is a Game Engine? Is it necessary to use one? A. Think of a game engine as a set of development tools that bundles essential functions required for making games, similar to a car engine. It includes features like rendering graphics on-screen ( Rendering ), physics effects for characters colliding with walls or jumping ( Physics Engine ), and playing background music or sound effects ( Audio System ). While it's possible to create a game from scratch without an engine, it requires an immense amount of time and effort, which is why most developers today use game engines, especially beginners! Q2. I want to start game development; are there any good free engines available? A. Yes,...
Seoul Street Food Pilgrimage: Local Recommendations BEST 7
Seoul Street Food Pilgrimage: Locals' Recommended BEST 7 (Must-Visit in Gwangjang Market and Myeongdong)
Know This About Seoul Street Food: 5 Key Q&A
Q1. Where can I usually find such street food?
Seoul street food is everywhere, but it's best to choose a destination to truly enjoy it. If you want to experience the warm atmosphere of traditional markets, head to Gwangjang Market or Namdaemun Market. For a hip and youthful vibe, Hongdae is the place to be, and if you want to combine shopping and sightseeing, Myeongdong is the ultimate choice. You can taste most of the representative dishes just by exploring these areas.
Q2. I'm not good with spicy food. Is that okay?
Absolutely! You can choose 'Rose' tteokbokki with cream or a soy sauce base, and dishes like kimbap, hotteok, and gyeran-bbang are not spicy at all. There are plenty of savory and sweet options, so don't worry!
Q3. Are there vegetarian options available?
Yes, there are quite a few. You can ask for the drug kimbap at Gwangjang Market without ham or egg, and some places sell mung bean pancakes made only with vegetables. Seed hotteok and gyeran-bbang (ovo-vegetarian) can also be excellent choices.
Q4. How do I pay? Is it cash only?
These days, most places accept both cash and card payments. More places are also starting to accept transportation cards. However, during busy times like weekends or meal hours, paying in cash might be a bit faster.
Q5. I'm a bit concerned about hygiene. Any tips?
Carrying hand sanitizer is useful. When choosing food, it's safer to go for items that are cooked or fried to order. If there are long lines at popular places, that usually means the ingredients are fresh, so choosing those spots can be a good strategy.
What's the best way to truly experience the city of Seoul? While glamorous shopping malls and serene palaces are great, nothing beats tasting warm food right in the bustling heart of a market, right? Street food is not just a snack to fill your belly; it's like a small festival that embodies the culture of the city and the lives of its people. To help you navigate through the many options, here are seven unique street foods that offer special stories and flavors you can only find in Seoul.
1. Gwangjang Market Drug Kimbap
The name sounds a bit scary, but it got the nickname 'drug' due to its addictive taste that keeps you coming back for more. It's small like mini kimbap, but it's packed with carrots, pickled radish, and spinach. The real magic of this kimbap lies in the sauce that comes with it. When you dip the kimbap into the tangy mustard and sweet-savory soy sauce, the nutty aroma of sesame oil and the crunchy texture of pickled radish create a delightful combination that you can't stop eating. If you're vegetarian, you can request to omit the ham or egg when ordering.
2. Gwangjang Market Mung Bean Pancake
As soon as you enter Gwangjang Market, if you hear the sizzling sound along with the nutty smell of oil, you've found the pancake stall. They fry thick mung bean batter, ground fresh, on a large iron plate greased with pork fat, and just watching it is mouth-watering. The outside is crispy like a potato pancake, while the inside is fluffy and soft. The crunch of bean sprouts and green onions adds to the deliciousness. Dipping it in soy sauce with onions and enjoying it with a cool glass of makgeolli will make you feel refreshed after a long day of traveling.
Episode: Jason's Makgeolli Experience from Canada
Jason, a traveler from Canada, was overwhelmed by the vibrant atmosphere of Gwangjang Market. While pondering what to eat, he decided to sit at the pancake stall where the line was longest. Following the advice of the Korean men at the next table, he paired the freshly made pancakes with cool makgeolli. "I never knew the combination of crispy pancakes and slightly sweet makgeolli could be so perfect!" For Jason, pancakes and makgeolli were the best combination that allowed him to truly experience the charm of Seoul.
Having tasted the nuttiness of Gwangjang Market, shall we now head to the spicy haven of Sindang-dong?
3. Sindang-dong Instant Tteokbokki
This is a bit different from the tteokbokki we usually know. Sindang-dong tteokbokki is served in a pot over a gas burner on the table, making it more like a hot pot that you cook and enjoy yourself. You start with rice cakes and fish cakes, and you can add whatever ingredients you like, such as ramen, chewy noodles, fried dumplings, boiled eggs, and even cheese. As the broth simmers, the flavors of all the ingredients blend together, creating a deeper and richer taste. Don't miss out on the fried rice made with the leftover broth, rice, and seaweed flakes—it's a must-try delicacy!
4. Tongin Market Oil Tteokbokki
This is a very unique style of tteokbokki that is stir-fried in oil without any broth. Since the rice cakes are continuously fried with oil on a large iron plate, you can enjoy a slightly crispy outside and a chewy inside. There is spicy gochujang seasoning available, but if you can't handle spice, be sure to try the 'Soy Sauce Oil Tteokbokki' made with soy sauce and pepper. Its salty yet nutty flavor will delight both kids and adults alike.
If your tongue is tingling from the spicy food, it's time to soothe it with something sweet and warm.
5. Myeongdong Gyeran-bbang
When you start feeling hungry while shopping in the paradise of Myeongdong, if a nutty and sweet smell catches your attention, it's probably gyeran-bbang. This simple yet perfect snack has a whole egg tucked inside soft bread dough. Taking a bite of freshly baked gyeran-bbang, the moist bread and soft, runny yolk blend together to melt away the cold and hunger. There are also versions topped with savory cheese or bacon, so you can choose according to your taste.
Episode: College Student Lee Soo-min's Taste of Nostalgia
College student Lee Soo-min visited Myeongdong with a friend after a long time. Among the flashy shops, she found the gyeran-bbang stall she used to visit with her mom as a child. "Back then, it was the most delicious bread in the world, and it still tastes great now." For her, gyeran-bbang was a warm taste of nostalgia that remains unchanged in the ever-evolving landscape of Seoul.
6. Namdaemun Market Honey Hotteok
Hotteok can be considered the king of street snacks in Korea during the cold winter. The dough made of flour or glutinous rice is filled with brown sugar, cinnamon, and crunchy seeds, then pressed and cooked on a hot iron plate. Be careful when you take a bite, as the hot syrup might burst out! The combination of crispy and chewy dough with sweet syrup and crunchy seeds is simply fantastic.
7. Insadong Ddongbang
You might burst into laughter just hearing the name. Ddongbang, a specialty of Insadong, is a humorous-looking bun. Similar to bungeoppang or chrysanthemum bread, the batter is poured into a mold and filled with red bean or custard cream before being baked. Thanks to its fun shape, many people line up to take pictures. It's a delightful snack that brings joy not just in taste but also in appearance, like a cheerful meme of Seoul.
Additional Tips for Travelers (FAQ)
Q. There are so many types, can you recommend based on preferences?
Of course! If you're looking for something spicy and exciting, I recommend 'Instant Tteokbokki'. For a crispy and nutty flavor, try 'Mung Bean Pancake' or 'Honey Hotteok'. If you need a light snack to enjoy in one bite, 'Drug Kimbap' or 'Gyeran-bbang' are perfect.
Q. Any tips for eating food at the market?
Markets tend to be busy on weekends or during dinner time, so visiting a bit earlier or later in the afternoon can be more relaxed. Also, for dishes like tteokbokki or pancakes, asking for the sauce on the side lets you control the spiciness and seasoning. Don't forget to bring wet wipes!
Author Information: This article summarizes the representative street foods of traditional markets and tourist areas in Seoul from a traveler's perspective. It includes the taste, characteristics, and ordering tips for each food item, designed for visitors to utilize while exploring Seoul.
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