southkorea

With a friend I went to Yoon Sook-ja's Rice Cake Cafe to enjoy a bit of afternoon tea with some rice cake snacks. I have worked with Yoon Sook-ja in the past and I find her an absolutely delightful person. Her rice cakes are works of art and they taste delicious as well. I had the mushroom tea (it's the dark tea below.) This tea had Korean dates (jujubes), pine nuts, mushrooms, and other stuff. I really don't recall the name of the drink but after drinking it I felt a bit lightheaded. Now, this could be because of all the late hours I have been putting in lately, but it also could have had something with the tea. My friend's Pumpkin latte tasted like a Korean pumpkin. It didn't have espresso, so I don't think I would consider it a latte. It was more a steamed milk with pumpkin. I enjoyed it a lot more than the pumpkin spice coffee drinks in the states that have nutmeg and other craziness in it. Oh, and if you have a question on which rice cake to get, I recommend the coffee one. If you are in the Jongno area, you should check this place out. Dan

In early February the Donga Ilbo published two articles (by the same reporter, Kim Hyeon-jin) about Anti-English Spectrum. A short piece, titled "'Stalkers' vs 'Protection of Korean Students,'" was translated by Korea Beat at the time. The longer interview with Lee Eun-ung, which was never translated, is below (many thanks to Coola for help with the translation). I'll follow this with a deconstruction of the claims made in the interview tomorrow.


Is the “Movement to Expel Bad English Teachers” stalking?

Stalking? Racial discrimination? The manager of the group to “Expel Bad Native Speaking Teachers,” Lee Eun-ung.


The 'LA Times' January 31 interview with the manager of “Citizens for Upright English Education,” Lee Eun-ung. Last February the newspaper published an article about this group in which foreign teachers living in Korea argued that (certain) Koreans who strongly believe that they are of a single bloodline (danil minjok) were conducting a campaign to spread xenophobia. Capture from site.

On January 31, the American daily LA Times published an interview with Le Eun-ung (40). He is the manager of Naver Cafe “Citizens for Upright English Education (The Citizen’s Movement to Expel Illegal Teachers of Foreign Languages)”.

The newspaper published details about the activities of the group, which “expels illegal foreign English teachers who habitually take drugs and commit molestation,” side by side with claims by ATEK’s spokesperson that the group “follows foreigners in a stalking manner and utters racially discriminatory threats.”

After this article appeared on the LA Times website, numerous comments quickly appeared. Comments ranged from criticisms such as “Korea has always been a place where racial discrimination is severe” to rebuttals such as “To be honest, many of my friends also had nothing special to do after graduating from university and so they went to Korea to teach English. Isn’t the real major purpose to just earn money and party?”

On February 2, I met Lee and he said, “Compared to articles in the U.S. and Canadian media from last year, this LA Times article reflects much of our position. However, it’s still lacking.” At the interview, another member, A (37 years old, manager at a large company), was also present.

Currently the group has a total of 17,000 members, but in fact the number of members who take part in its activities is between 300 and 400. Lee is the group’s third manager.

Last February, an LA Times article gave weight to foreign teachers’ view that (certain) Koreans who strongly believe that they are of a single bloodline (danil minjok) were conducting a campaign to spread xenophobia. In that article, one native speaking teacher was quoted, “Some time ago in the U.S., a Korean exchange student was arrested for a sex crime against a minor. When problems like this occur, Americans do not lash out at all Koreans. This is only a personal issue.”

At the end of last year, the citizen’s movement was criticized in some newspapers and on the radio in Canada and the U.S. One newspaper offered the interpretation that "In Korea, the preference of sons over daughters has led to a shortage of women, and such changes in the population have created an atmosphere where there is an extreme dislike of foreign men dating Korean women, and especially of attractive Korean women dating foreigners. This has fanned the phenomenon of hatred against foreign teachers.”

Why are foreign media “attacking the citizen’s group”? An interview with Lee follows.


Donga Ilbo: It seems that foreign teacher groups and the foreign media have ruled that your “citizen’s group” is a xenophobic group. Why are you receiving such attacks?

Lee: The opportunity to form this group came in January 2005 due to a posting on a native-speaking teacher employment information website. During this incident, postings like “Picking up Korean women is easy… I had sex with a middle school girl” enraged Koreans. However, among the people who first joined our group, some concentrated only on attacking and degrading women who date foreigners. Because of this, a needless conflict structured as 'Korean men vs. Korean Women' was created. After this, through efforts at self-purification, it was settled on that our group would have the educational purpose of protecting our children from unqualified native-speaking teachers. However, foreign teacher organizations and foreign media still focus (only) on the issue of foreign men dating Korean women, which stood out at that time. They say, “Why is it wrong for Korean women to date foreign men?”

Donga Ilbo: They also claim that the compulsory criminal record checks and medical certificates instituted as native speaker conversation instruction (E2) visa requirements in late 2007 discriminate against foreigners.

Lee: “We checked with related institutes and found out that Korean teachers are also required to submit criminal background checks and receive physical examinations when taking employment exams. Our (Korean) physical examination includes tests for sexually transmitted diseases including syphilis, and teachers are even fingerprinted. Also in the case of hagwon teachers, it’s necessary to verify that there are no sex crimes against children in their past. I don’t know why they say it’s discriminatory."


A December 8, 2009 Vancouver Sun article titled “Native speaking teachers are the target of a slander campaign.” Capture from site.

Donga Ilbo: ATEK says the members of the citizen’s group engage in stalking by roaming around foreign teachers’ homes and workplaces. They claim this is a violation of their human rights by those who do not have the authority.

Lee: The vast majority of our members are salary men and housewives in their 30s and 40s. Among the managing members, many especially work for major companies. How could they engage in stalking every day? When a tip about an illegal teacher comes in through the cafe, to verify if it is true, the managing members only inquire with the hagwon to see if the ESL teacher works there. Then we relay the tip to law enforcement. In fact, it is likely that whoever teachers claim is following them are actually members of law enforcement.

Donga Ilbo: According to the LA Times, late last year ATEK received a threatening email from a group called “KEK (Kill White in Korea)” saying “We will punish foreigners one by one. Do not make a fuss, get out of Korea.” ATEK suspects the citizen’s group is linked to this.

Lee: "In December of last year, ATEK representatives even accused and sued me for spreading false rumors that 'an (ATEK representative) contracted HIV by having sex with a minor.' They claimed it was defamation.) Someone cleverly edited a site capture of a piece of writing regarding foreign teachers that I posted on our café and disseminated it. Everything about the threatening e-mail and this case is a fabrication by someone to denigrate our group. When the police investigation ends in 2 to 3 months, the entire truth will be revealed."

Donga Ilbo: ATEK spoke of unjust treatment: “Because of a few problem teachers, foreign teachers as a whole are misunderstood to be all criminals.” The crime rate for teachers with E-2 visas is less than 0.5%, which is much less than the overall South Korean crime rate.

Lee: "We also feel sorry for that. We even persuaded and sent back one reporter who wanted to do a story on our group with just the goal of degrading foreign teachers. We agree with their claim that those teachers who act properly should be respected. However, the crime rate of 0.5% is in fact a statistical trap. In truth, the majority of problems are caused by teachers who have not legally obtained E2 visas. Statistics do not catch these."

At this time Mr. A, who was watching the interview, added:
"In a city in Gyeongsangbukdo there was a case where a teacher stabbed a child with a pin claiming the young student was being noisy. The teacher, who was fired because of this incident, said this was unjust and brought a suit against the hagwon. As it turned out, this person had been stripped of his teaching qualification in Canada because of a similar problem.


Canada's ‘National Post’ article of December 7 of last year, with the title 'Korean group accuses Canadian (English) teachers of harassing women, drug use.’

Donga Ilbo: The citizen group started more than five years ago. Do you still see the bad native speaking teacher problem as being serious?

Lee: Presently in the Seoul metropolitan area, there are almost no problems at major English hagwons. Adult and youth hagwons are also alright. At so-called 'English Kindergartens' managed by large hagwons, there are also almost no particular cases. The problem is cases of illegal employment at so-called “Education facilities that mimic English-teaching establishments” such as day cares, general kindergartens and English play rooms. Especially these days, a lot of these problems are being found in the provinces, places which get less attention from crackdowns."


Until now the citizen’s group has succeeded in turning out around 100 unqualified English teachers from places of education, due to their tips to law enforcement agencies. But throughout the interview he had a cautious attitude. "I’m most concerned that a movement started for educational purposes has been distorted and is deteriorating into a collision between Koreans and foreigners," he said.

"Among our members are foreign teachers who have joined who want to cooperate as a foreign teachers' “purification movement.” Also our group has plans to more actively spread a positive “movement to properly view foreign teachers” by doing things like making an “introducing good foreign teachers” corner at our site.”
How long will the conflict between the citizen’s group and ATEK continue? Lee said, “It would be good to at least get into the open and clear up misperceptions about our group.”

I know, not food related, but absolutely hilarious. Here's a bit of jolly while you wait out the Typhooon. Cheers, Dan Check out more awesome videos at Eatyourkimchi.com

I've written about the destruction of Gindeung Maeul, the first part of the Banghwa New Town to go ahead, several times before:

Exploring Gindeung Maeul
The Disappearance of Gindeung Maeul
More of Gindeung Maeul being destroyed

Google Earth/Maps has a shot of the area that now shows the destruction from above:


Interestingly enough, it seems to correspond with this photo I took of the area on October 19, 2008:

As I pointed out in March, more of Gindeung Maeul is being destroyed (in fact, it's nearly finished). As it turns out, however, almost every non-apartment-dominated area abutting the Magok area (such as this neighbourhood) is being (or has been) destroyed to make way for the Magok development (Seoul's largest) and the lake park and marina that will be a part of the Han River Renaissance plan. I'll save a closer look at that for another day.

 "They should make this a new snack in America" http://www.seouleats.com/2010/05/restaurants-jungsikdang-new-korean.html http://www.seouleats.com/2010/04/jung-shik-dang-amuse-bouche.html

Students need guidance, from both parents and schools, that tell them health is just as important as good grades. Parents also need to supply students with healthy snack options, or feed them dinner before they attend after school classes. Korea already values the importance of a good education. Ultimately, this education needs to extend to importance of a healthy diet and exercise. Lindsey Huster is a writer who originally hails from Chicago. She enjoys listening to music,wearing cardigans and generally anything vegetarian. Send her an e-mail here: Lindsey Huster 

Uiseong Black Garlic Pastry

Ham and Cheese and Black Garlic in Korea doesn't need to be refridgerated

Where' the Black Garlic? It tasted like ketchup with spam with garlic powder. Damn...fell for the marketing.

The entire text of Scott Burgeson's essay "A Stranger in Chongno," (originally published in his book 더 발칙한 한국학) about the mad cow protests of 2008 has been posted - in English - at his site. It's well worth reading, as he was on the ground for nearly all of the protests, and was initially supportive of the protesters - until their violence and hypocrisy made him critical of the movement.

Let's try something new today: a Photoblog post, but first a quick word. NOA is a cute little bistro run by a couple of foodie chefs. I never really see it very busy (it might have to do with location) but the food is good and I like the effort the crew is making to make things work. I would definitely go back. NOA: New Bistro 02-796-0804 Directions: Go out Noksopyeong Station Exit 2 and walk all the way down and along the kimchi pots. You'll see it on the left as you walk towards Haebangchon.

In the back alley of Jongno 3-ga, you'll find Grandmother's Knife-cut noodles. The place has been around for 20 years and it's the most popular knife-cut noodle shop in the area- which is surprising because it looks like a dump. It looks like a shanty with seats, but maybe that's because they have been so busy for so long that they haven't had a chance to fix it up. Even though it looks like a shanty, the place is McDonald's efficient. Once you sit, your order is taken and 2 minutes later you have a piping hot bowl of noodle soup. They have only two things on the menu: Knife cut noodles or Knife Cut Noodles with dumplings (sujebi) (In the summer they have Kongguksu: Chilled Soybean Milk Noodle Soup.) Everything costs 4,000 won (about $3.50) for a humongoid bowl of noodley goodness. Kimchi is included. Name: Halmoni Calguksu Phone Number: ??? Website: ??? Directions: It's on the back streets of Jongno. If you go out exit 3 and go straight, make a left past barbecue restaurants until you come to a shop on the left with a huge crowd of people eating and an open kitchen where you see women cutting noodles. You'll probably see the women wearing pink aprons.

Here's an excerpt from Yankee Hobo in the Orient, which was originally published as Why Japan Was Strong in 1943, and republished in an extended version in 1945 by the author, Jon Patric. Patric had lived as a hobo at different points in his life, and for months prior to traveling to Asia in the mid 1930s, did so again in order to both save money for the trip and prepare himself to travel cheaply on a basic diet. Here he describes one of his experiences in Korea:

After I had crossed the Sea of Japan from Shimonoseki to Fusan, gateway seaport of Korea, I had taken a train for Seoul, the capital. The name-changing Japanese called it Keijo. At every opportunity I alighted from the train and strolled curiously around the station platform. I never tired of that, for something interesting was always happening.

At one little back country station far in the interior of the Korean peninsula, two Government railway guards had caught a small, barefoot, soot-grimed Korean boy who was stealing a ride. They had jerked him from beneath one of the coaches, and as they led him away – he was only about eleven, and they could handle him easily enough – they were beating him pitilessly. They came toward where I was standing, continuing their beating as they came.

Now, as I have said, I used to steal rides on trains when I was a boy. In fact, I grew up to be a hobo. After I was full grown, I was kicked off trains by trainmen. They didn’t do it literally, unless I’d been warned to stay off and had climbed back on, or unless I’d stopped a train with stolen torpedoes as I did a few times when I found myself stranded in the rain, far from a town. I’ve been led out of boxcars, searched, and made to buy a ticket to as far away as what money they’d found would take me. I’ve been locked in the clink.

But nobody ever beat me like those government railway guards were beating the Korean. And when I’d been a kid, and had run away and hoboed my way from Seattle to Mexico and back, nearly all railwaymen I met were kind to me. They shared their lunches with me, they helped me locate other trains, they sometimes even let me ride in the cab. But they worked for the Great Northern Railroad, and for the South Pacific Company. They did not work for the government as did the employees of the South Manchurian Railway.

Since, even in Korea, I considered it the inalienable right of hoboes and boys without money to steal rides on trains, I was mad.

Before the guards realized what was happening, I had instinctively, without thinking it out at all, yanked the prisoner away from them, stood between them and him, given the boy a push, pointed to the near-by woods, and said:
“Scram!”
“Scram,” now, isn’t a Korean word.
But I think it has a remarkably provocative sound in any language, and I predict that someday it will be universally used. On nimble bare feet, before the bewildered guards – who never had that happen to them before – could stop him, the boy had scrammed.

He had scrammed into the scrub woods beside the railroad right of way. The guards glowered at me.

Before long the train got under way again, with all its personnel, official train guards, and every passenger except the Korean hobo boy. But as the cars began to move, faster and faster, I saw the lad dart out of the woods and throw himself beneath the train. Surely, he’d be killed!

He wasn’t.

At the next station I got off again. With an air of carelessness I bent down beside the railway coach to tie a shoelace I had deliberately untied beforehand, and stole a surreptitious glance toward one of the heavy, multi-wheeled trucks upon rested the rear end of the car. There, on top of it, was the boy again, crouched catlike, clinging with fingers and toes. I hoped the guards had not seen him attempt to resume the journey that seemed important to him.

But they had.

Not two guards, now, but four of them, approached. Two carried side arms. These kept their hands provocatively and meaningfully on the butts of their revolvers to discourage any meddling foreigner with what it was their duty to do.

Up ahead, the engineer got down from his cab and lit a cigarette, as if he knew the train could not start again as quickly as usual.

The original guards – the ones from whom I had snatched the lad in the first place - now carried long and heavy sticks. These sticks were apparently kept on the train for some special purpose. They were about six feet long, maybe an inch and a half in diameter, and one end of them had been whittled, like pencils, to sharp points.

One of them men crawled to the other side of the coach with his stick, and an armed guard went with him. Then, from both sides, with their pointed sticks, two men prodded the boy to dislodge him. It wasn’t gentle prodding, and they didn’t try to persuade him – they poked at him savagely and roughly. He was a brave lad, and stubborn, and he held out at first. For a surprisingly long time he resisted the vicious lunging jabs of the two Jap officials. Once he grabbed for a stick and almost got it. I wished he had – he needed the weapon. Passengers – some – laughed as they watched; they were neutrals enjoying the show. The sticks punctured the flesh of the boys body, and their points tore and smashed at the little hands and feet that clung so tenaciously to the oily and dirty iron under the railroad coach.

But human flesh, even that of a determined little Korean hobo boy, could not stand such treatment long. Finally the lad loosened his grip, and fell to the gravel roadbed under the car – almost as if he had fainted for an instant. When the guards pulled him out, he bled in a dozen places, and his red blood stood out against the black and the grime of him. His hands and feet, by which he’d clung, seemed badly injured, and he had a strange look of one who had, at last, been cut down from crucifixion.

But they made him walk on his bleeding feet, and as he walked they beat him. After all, he was only a little Korean hobo boy, and they were officials of the “enlightened,” bureaucratic Japanese Government that controlled this South Manchurian Railway.

----
You might get that Patric wasn't a big fan of government, and the extended version of the book which he self-published has numerous digressions which make clear his libertarian beliefs. More information on Patric can be found here. One other tidbit: I first heard of this book in the book I Married a Korean, as Agnes Kim met Patric during her voyage over to Korea (and he got her in quite a bit of trouble after filling out an extra customs form with her name, ridiculous answers, and a reason for visiting Japan that led to her being questioned by several angry immigration officers: "To Assassinate the Mikado"). Their time on the boat together can be read here.

Le Saigon in Haebangchon. Picture by Paul Ajossi

During the summers I crave raw vegetables and a big, leafy, crispy salad. Sure, I love Korean vegetable side dishes, but they are normally blanched and salted and seasoned with garlic and sesame oil. These days I have been working til very late most days so I haven't been able to get to the market to get vegetables to make my own dinner. The place that has been my savor these days has been Le Saigon in Haebangchon. This place is not very far from my home and the bus drops me off pretty close to it. Besides convenience, I truly appreciate the quality of the food. I often go and get Banh Mi Sandwich or the rice vermicelli noodle bowl. The Pho is delightful as well as the broth is very rich and it doesn't taste like raw bones boiled for several hours. Oh! and they serve cilantro with the soup (which I feel is a necessity). The crew working there seem to have done their research for the noodles for the noodles are not the ubiquitous noodles found in many Pho restaurants in Korea (Pho Bay is not Pho!). Tonight I had the Vietnamese Rice Roll Wraps. I believe they call them Wolnamssam. These were brilliant. For 16,000 won per person you get a big plate of freshly cut vegetables, cooked shrimp, avocado, sliced apples, and chicken. You also get a sizzling side platter of flavorful grilled beef, chicken, or mushrooms. After you finish your rice wraps, you get a bowl of Pho Soup. The vegetable platter was just what I needed. The red peppers, yellow peppers, green peppers, apples, and carrots were crisp. The sesame leaves and lettuce were finely julienned and the addition of ripe avocados made my eyes water like I was seeing a long lost friend again. The canned pineapple I could have done without but everything else was just what I was looking for. I ate a lot and I didn't feel guilty doing it. (Sorry for the lack of pictures, but I have been traveling light these days. Paul Ajossi has some great pictures on his blog) Restaurant Name: Le Saigon Restaurant Type: Vietnamese Location: Near Haebanchon Intersection Telephone: 02-790-0336 Specialty: Banh Mi Sandwiches, Pho (great pho broth) and Vegetable Wraps Directions: Go out Noksopyeong Station Exit 2 and go through the underground underpass and come out the left side. Website: N/A

I was walking past one of my favorite Kebap places in Seoul and I noticed they had gutted the entire place. I hope they are remodeling because I really loved that place. It has been my guilty pleasure for years. Me sad. I think I'll have to call the manager and ask what's going on.

I love Gupnae Chicken because it is: 1. BBQ'd and not battered and fried. 2. The spicy sauce is awesome and not some sugared down nasty stuff that tastes like McDonald's Sweet and Sour sauce. 3. It comes with the white Korean radish (I know every place does and I love them.) 4. Girl's Generation does the commercials and you get a poster from one of the lovely's when you order the chicken. 5. They deliver to my house. 6. It's not expensive (14,000). 7. It's delicious. Gupnae Chicken in Haebangchon 02-792-9291 (I assume they must be able to take orders in English, but I haven't tried it.)

... in 1968.


(From Seoul Through Pictures 4)

I'm in Korea for vacation, where are the best restaurants to eat at??? This is a question I get asked all the time and although I try to personally answer each e-mail, I feel that there are many lists on my website that answer this question. I wanted to make a comprehensive post about this question. Here are my lists of recommendations: Here's a big list and tips: http://www.seouleats.com/2009/09/restaurant-recommendations-and-tips-for.html Here's a list of just BBQ restaurants: http://www.seouleats.com/2009/11/korean-barbecue-restaurant.html This is for summer: http://www.seouleats.com/2008/07/seoul-eats-ways-to-chillax-in-seoul.html And a list for adoptees: http://www.seouleats.com/2009/07/welcome-goal-adoptees-to-land-of-kimchi.html You should also check out Sandang: http://www.seouleats.com/search?q=sandang And Wooriga: http://www.seouleats.com/2009/10/seasonal-reflections-chef-jeong-hyun.html Jungshikdang http://www.seouleats.com/search?q=jung+shik+dang Here's a list of the best burgers for 2010 http://www.seouleats.com/2010/01/best-burgers-in-seoul-in-2010.html Here's a list of the best Ramen in Seoul http://www.seouleats.com/2009/07/photoblog-best-ramen-in-seoul.html Here's a list of the best Kebap and Shwarma in Seoul http://www.seouleats.com/2009/05/kebap-and-shwarma-in-seoul.html You should also try and get out of the city: Jeonju is amazing for food: http://www.seouleats.com/2009/12/junju-big-southern-heart-of-korea.html -- Daniel Gray Chief Marketing Officer O'ngo Food Communications 264 Nonhyun-dong, Gangnam-gu Seoul, Korea O: 02-3446-1607

Back in June, NoCut News reported on the "serious social problem" of English teachers in Jeju smuggling pot into the country, giving examples of three recent cases (though one was not ever described as an English teacher, but why let facts get in the way of a good "emerging social problem?"). In July, it was announced in Jeju media that one teacher who imported 44 pot seeds (via international mail, ordered from a UK website) was fined 5 million won. The other teacher mentioned in that NoCut News report, "J" was recently sentenced to 3 years in prison for importing 388 grams in a cake (sent by her mom, it was said), and once again it was reported by NoCut News (along with Jeju Ilbo, Jeju ui Sori and Yonhap).

What I find odd is that there have been several reports lately on the outcome of cases where teachers have been arrested, from the two cases above to the recent case of the Canadian teacher sentenced to 18 months in prison for "harassing" a young boy (the Korean articles use the word 성추행, or 'molestation'). This was reported by Yonhap, YTN, Herald Gyeongje, MBN, Segye Ilbo (twice), Financial News, News Hanguk, Kookmin Ilbo, Kuki News, City Shinmun, Herald SaengSaeng News, Seoul Gyeongje, Hanguk Ilbo, and the Chungcheong Ilbo (though it's worth noting is that I don't think his arrest for this was ever reported).

Is this a generalization, or do the Korean media generally report more on arrests and less on the outcome of the court cases?
And while we're on the topic, are blood money cases like this one often reported in the media?

Durga and Everest are my go-to places for Indian Food. Ironically, they're not Indian, but Nepalese. Sure there are "authentic" Indian places in the city, but I often feel the flavors there are a bit muddy. Also, overdosing on Indian Buffet is a sure way to make the food less special- especially since when I was a poor college student that's what my friends and I often did. The food at Durga is bright, hearty, and flavorful. The bread seems to be always right out of the oven. You can tell a good naan, if it tears right away and leaves a trail of steam. I have been disappointed by naan in the past to know when the bread is right out of the oven and one that's right out of the microwave (microwaved naan is closer to rubber than bread). I got the Palak and a Spinach Curry (I can't remember which one, but I think it was the Malai Kofta). Both were excellent and we had to order more naan to sop up all the delicious sauce. We also ordered a salad, but next time I think I'll ask them to leave the dressing off. I don't think honey mustard is Indian. I have to say the salad presentation was very nice. The Paneer (Indian Style Cheese) was delicious and it had nice body in the sauce. It was actual paneer and not tofu (sorry, but Agra in Itaewon actually tried to pull this trick on me...worst Indian restaurant ever...). Oh, and the nicest thing was that we went into the restaurant at 10pm on a Saturday Night. We were the only people in the restaurant, but the host and server was very welcoming and friendly. They didn't try to rush us out and it was a wonderful end to our Saturday. Durga www.durga.co.kr 02-733-4786 Open from 10:30-11pm Recommended: Palak Paneer, Chicken Vindaloo, Malai Kofta Prices: Mid-range Directions: There are 4 Durgas. I went to the one over by Jonggak. Go out Jonggak Station Exit 4. Make a left behind the giant temple thing and you'll see it on the 2nd floor to the left.

Hi everyone, I hope you are doing well on this dreary day (It's raining for the umpteenth day in Seoul...) I wanted to share with you a story that I wrote for Koreataste.org. The website is an in-depth website into Korean food. It has great columns and pictures. The story I wrote for the site was on Korean Street-Cart Food. Here it is. Enjoy, Dan Korean Street food epitomizes Korea.It is mobile. It is fast. It is fun. And the people who make it embody the “Spirit of the Hungry”: the never say die attitude to survive in a competitive society. You’ll see these carts everywhere and they are all working hard to feed a nation of taste-obsessed citizens. One tiny cart that is only the size of a golf cart holds a plethora of tasty tidbits. You have lightly battered fried sweet potato, fried cuttlefish, fried dumplings, fried shrimp, battered and fried hotdogs, and vegetable fritters. The fried hotdogs look similar to ones that you might find on Coney Island. A wiener is impaled with a chopstick and then battered in a flour batter. The breading on these dogs is fluffier than ones you might find in the states. Also you might find them encrusted with crinkled French fries or even ramen! The hotdog is then dressed with red, red ketchup. To the side of this magical street food car, one might find a large, thick boa constrictor-like sausage called sundae. This purple snake is chock full of glass noodles and pig’s blood. Go to the website to read the rest of the article and to see the pictures. Leave a comment! Thanks! Dan