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South Korea may not be your typical international food destination, but there is no denying that it has a vibrant and delicious food culture. Whether it’s traditional dishes or modern twists, South Korea has something to offer for everyone. In particular, two popular regional specialties of South Korea tend to stand out: Jeonju Bibimbap and Busan-style seafood. In this article, we will explore what makes these two regional specialties so unique, and why they should be on your list of must-tries when you’re in South Korea.
Jeonju Bibimbap
Jeonju Bibimbap, also known as Jeonju style bibimbap, is an iconic and popular dish that is native to the Jeonju region of South Korea. Bibimbap is a popular Korean dish that combines steamed white rice with various vegetables, meats, and sauces. What distinguishes Jeonju bibimbap is the addition of a Jeonju-made hot pepper paste and raw egg, which gives this particular kind of bibimbap a more diverse and spicy flavor.
Jeonju bibimbap is often served with a side of seasoned bean sprouts, kimchi, and gochujang (hot pepper paste). The egg, vegetables, and meats can vary depending on the restaurant, but a traditional Jeonju bibimbap should include either beef or pork, sautéed mushrooms, zucchini, and carrots. Some restaurants may also include shredded beef, clams, oysters, or even radish kimchi.
Jeonju bibimbap is a popular dish both amongst locals and tourists and is often considered to be one of the most representative dishes of the Jeonju region. In fact, in 2012, Jeonju bibimbap was designated as an Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity by UNESCO.
How to Prepare Jeonju Bibimbap
Jeonju bibimbap is a relatively easy dish to make and can be prepared in a few easy steps.
First, separate the prepared ingredients into small dishes. You can use any type of meat or vegetables that you like, but make sure they are cut into thin strips. Next, start preheating a frying pan. Once preheated, put some oil in the pan and begin sautéing the ingredients. Once the vegetables and meats are cooked, remove them from the pan and set aside.
Next, add more oil to the pan and the prepared hot pepper paste. Stir until the mixture is fragrant, then add the prepared rice. Stir the hot pepper paste and rice together until the rice is coated and lightly toasted. Once the rice is cooked, turn off the heat and remove from the stove.
Now, to assemble your Jeonju bibimbap. Begin by placing the cooked rice in the center of a bowl. Then, arrange the sautéed vegetables and meats around the rim of the bowl. Finally, top the Jeonju bibimbap with a raw egg. Mix everything together before eating.
Busan-Style Seafood
Busan is a coastal city located in the south of South Korea and is known for its abundance of seafood. As a result, Busan-style seafood is one of the most popular regional delicacies in the region and offers a host of diverse flavors. Many of the seafood dishes are served raw, but there are also a variety of grilled items and casseroles.
The most popular dishes tend to be sashimi, which consists of slices of raw fish such as sea bream, tuna, halibut, and flounder. Other popular dishes include grilled eel, grilled shrimp, and octopus casserole. Busan also has a variety of braised seafood dishes such as abalone soup, which is a traditional soup made with abalone, vegetables, mushrooms, and beef. These dishes are often served with any combination of rice, noodles, seaweed, kimchi, and namul (seasoned vegetables or herbs).
Busan-style seafood is particularly popular amongst tourists, as the region is known for its affordability and variety of different and delicious flavors. It is also one of the best places to find freshly caught seafood, as many of the dishes served at Busan’s restaurants are made with ingredients caught right off the coast.
How to Purchase Busan-Style Seafood
Busan-style seafood is one of the easiest and most affordable ways to experience Korean cuisine. Many tourists opt to purchase seafood from one of the many seafood markets that are located along the coast. Here, you can purchase all sorts of freshly caught fish, shellfish, and mollusks, in addition to a variety of other ingredients.
When purchasing seafood from a market, it is important to make sure that the seafood is bought from a trusted vendor and that it is fresh. It is also important to be mindful of where your seafood is coming from, as some of the markets may be selling endangered species.
If you are not comfortable with purchasing seafood from a market, there are a number of great Busan-style seafood restaurants located throughout the region that offer a wide variety of dishes. These restaurants typically offer a la carte menu items, as well as set menus that include several courses.
Conclusion
Jeonju bibimbap and Busan-style seafood are two of the most iconic and popular regional specialties in South Korea. Jeonju bibimbap is a traditional rice and vegetable dish that is made with hot pepper paste and topped with raw egg, while Busan-style seafood is known for its abundance of raw and grilled seafood dishes, as well as casseroles. Both dishes are great options for visitors looking to experience the authentic flavors of South Korea and both can be enjoyed in person by purchasing seafood from one of the many markets or from a restaurant.