The best rainy day Korean cuisine
Today was a rainy day, and all I could think about was what would warm my ‘Seoul’ up…
Image: Markus Winkler on Unsplash.
In Korea, Summer is the wettest time of the year so if you’re planning on visiting during this season bring your raincoat and a copy of this article so you know what (and where) to eat when the heavens open!
Budaejjigae (Korean army stew)
What’s not to love about this amazing one pot dish? It’s spicy, savoury and super filling. This dish is also known as the “army stew” and was invented during the Korean war in Uijeongbu where the American army was stationed.
Originally this dish consisted of canned beans, meat, spam, ham, and sausage. This dish varies from region to region, as Koreans get creative by adding any ingredients available to them such as pork belly, kimchi, tofu, ramen, tteokbboki… There really isn’t a set recipe/ingredient for it, everyone adds whatever they want to the pot, and I honestly believe this dish is what I call a real ‘home comfort’.
Images: Thuy Bui
As mentioned, this dish originated in Uijeongbu, so if you go to Uijeongbu Jung Ang Subway station (orange line), and head for exit 2, there’s a street full of Budaejjigae restaurants. You’ll be overwhelmed by the choice, but let me take that burden from you, and recommend a spot (a good friend who grew up in the area had also recommended this place to me).
Heo Gi Su Halmeoni Wonjo Odeng Sik Dang
7, Hoguk-ro 1309beon-gil, Uijeongbu-si, Gyeonggi-do
Opens daily from 8AM – 9PM
http://www.odengsikdang.com
If you’re in Paju (which is where I currently live), then I highly recommend this place in Munsan. The locals are queuing as soon as it opens, and this place is never not busy!
Bakga Samgeori Budaejjigae
103, Munhyang-ro, Munsan-eup, Paju-si, Gyeonggi-do
Opens daily from 8AM – 9.30PM
Kalguksu (Korean knife-cut noodle soup)
Ilsan Kalguksu restaurant was established in 1982 and is a local favourite. I have never not walked past when it's not busy. The restaurant is quite big, but it’s always full no matter the time!
Kalguksu does vary depending on the restaurant, and it also depends on how you like your noodles. In particular, this restaurant's noodles are on the thicker and chewier side, whereas other places I have visited, it’s been thinner and less chewy (I personally prefer this combination).
Image: Thuy Bui.
The broth is oozing with flavour, and their homemade kimchi hits the spot. Season to your liking and enjoy a nice hot bowl of Kalguksu.
Il-San Kalguksu (일산칼국수)
467, Gyeongui-ro, Ilsan-dong-gu, Goyang-si, Gyeonggi-do
Opens:
Weekdays from 10AM – 7PM
Weekends 10AM – 7.30PM
I also wrote about another Kalguksu restaurant which you can read about here. But I did visit another branch closer to my home. The quality and standard were the same, and I think this one may have been better! I was dining with a few friends this time, so I had the chance to add some side dishes to the menu. The deep-fried dumplings were a winner, you’ve got to order if you go.
Paju Dakguksu Munsan Branch
41, Ugye-ro 457beon-gil, Munsan-eup, Paju-si
Gyeonggi-do
Opens everyday 11AM-9PM
Break time 3PM-4.30PM
Jeon (Korean savoury pancake)
A traditional, savoury, pan fried pancake that has been enjoyed by Koreans for over a century, in particular, during the Joseon dynasty. These sizzling pancakes are what Koreans are reminded of when they hear the sound of rain.
Jeon comes in many forms such as Pajeon, kimchi jeon, seafood jeon… so the real question here is, which jeon is your go to? Mine is the seafood pancake!
The best place I’ve eaten a seafood pancake was in Jeju! It was also the best place I have ever eaten seafood. You can read all about it here.
Jeon and seafood in Jeju. Image: Thuy Bui.
Don’t forget to pair your jeon with a bottle of makgeolli for a more authentic Korean experience!
Try this pocha if you want Jeon on a rainy day:
Yadang Cool Jeon Pocha
55, Hau 2-gil, Paju-si, Gyeonggi-do
Do you have a favourite rainy day dish? Or have you tried any of these dishes before? Let us know in the comments below.
Edited by Chelsea Cheetham.