5 Best Korean Stews/Soups For Winter

Winter is coming and when it does you are going to be thanking us for this post. When the temperature drops and your butt freezes, there are five Korean stews/soups we recommend to chase the blues away. They are spicy, ass kicking soups that make you feel like you are being hugged by an angry grandmother from the inside out. These are the dishes we crave and eat in mass all winter long. At this point we don't know how we ever lived without them.

1. Kimchi jjigae.

This is not for the timid, but it is the ruler of them all. When we first arrived in Korea we thought this stew as too much, but now it's what we crave more than anything when the weather gets cold. There is just no way of replacing this unusually, delicious stew. It's spicy, tangy, sweet, and rich. This soup is often eaten for breakfast because it sets you up to have a good day.

Where we like to eat it:

How you can make it at home:

2. Budae jjigae.

Now, if meat is what you are all about, then you want to go for some good old fashioned soldier stew. This dish doesn't try to be fancy. It originated during the Korean War when they were making food out of scraps left by soldiers. It's pure brilliance. If you are a food snob, don't even bother. This is all about cheap hotdogs, sausages, and ramen noodles. OMG we want some just talking about it.  Songtan is also known for having the best budae jjigae in the country so it's the perfect place to try it.

Where we like to eat it:

How you can make it at home:

3. Sundubu jjigae

We call this "Angry Care Bear clouds" in soup. It's often super spicy but the soft tofu feels so comforting you're not sure if you are in love or angry. Unbelievably awesome to eat in January and there is an especially fabulous version in Pyeongtaek not far from AK Plaza. If you are in a hurry though, this is a great dish to grab at any Korean lunch counter.

Where we like to eat it:

How you can make it at home:

4. Dalkdoritong

Not exactly a soup or stew by Korean standards, but it is by ours so it makes the list. This dish can be hard to come by as it often has to be ordered ahead and is made for 3-4 people (also making it expensive on the menu). The chicken will simply melt in your mouth and the heat from this dish will keep you warm all day long. We love to go to a restaurant and order this on a weekend with friends. Especially if we have been playing outside in the cold.

Where we like to eat it:

How you can make it at home:

5. Yukgaejang

This winter classic is filled with stewed beef and unique Korean vegetables. Known for being VERY spicy and hearty. The mountain ferns give the dish and unique earthy flavor that you will either love or hate. Once again, this is for those who love Korean food and unique flavors.

Where we like to eat it:

How you can make it at home:

For address and WAZE directions to anything on this blog download the South of Seoul App from either Google Play or Apple App Store. 

Why we do this:

We made the app to accompany the blog because it's easier to keep update with current information. In the past we've tried keeping the information on the blog but it's too hard for us to maintain the information in two places at once over time. Since we compile and write blogs around a full time jobs without compensation, we need to do it the most efficient way possible with as few steps as possible. 

Okinawa Blue

Okinawa Blue

DIRECTORY: Asan, Crystal Village

Over fall break we visited Okinawa for a week. It was AMAZING. It's now our go to spot for mini breaks. While there, we discovered a magical little dish called Taco Rice. For those of you who don't know about it, it's a brilliant fusion dish that will leave your belly happy for an entire day. Quite filling and comforting. It's now in standard rotation at our house.

Now, why am I telling you about this on the South of Seoul blog? Because last weekend I found an Okinawan restaurant in Asan, just south of Pyeongtaek and west of Cheonan, in a faux Mediterranean village called Asan Crystal Village. They totes have taco rice and it's a HUGE meal. We had the set with onion rings and a cola. It was enough for us to split. SOO GOOOOODDDDD!!!!!

This lovely little find is also located only about a 10-15 minute drive from the Cheonan Costco so it's kind of a must if you are headed in that direction for supplies. 

You can find this and other awesome Crystal Village restaurants in the South of Seoul app available on the Apple App Store and Google Play.

For address and WAZE directions to anything on this blog download the South of Seoul App from either Google Play or Apple App Store. 

Why we do this:

We made the app to accompany the blog because it's easier to keep update with current information. In the past we've tried keeping the information on the blog but it's too hard for us to maintain the information in two places at once over time. Since we compile and write blogs around a full time jobs without compensation, we need to do it the most efficient way possible with as few steps as possible. 

3 Ways to Give Locally This Holiday Season

One of the best traditions of the western holiday season is the giving. It's also one the primary traditions we chose to bring with us into this expat life. Giving back helps us overcome our culture shock and feel connected and a part of this life we live. Everyone wins when we pull together as a community and lift each other up.

This season we have found three different ways to give back. Each one is special and speaks to us in different ways. We don't expect anyone to give to all three, but take a look at each of them and see if one is right for you. One of them is sure to find a place in your heart.

1. Good Neighbor Corps Donation Drive

Used or New Baby Items (6-36 Months)

DEADLINE: DECEMBER 8TH!!!

First off, PIEF (Pyeongtaek International Exchange Foundation) has a very cool donation drive for those on a budget. They are collecting gently used baby items for babies in need. If you have a little one who has grown out of their clothes or toys, this is an amazing way to pass on the love. The items will be packaged and delivered to local organizations that care for babies.

Based on the number of items families give away on the buy/sell/trade pages, we think this is the perfect fit for many in the community. We are pretty sure we can blow the socks off this donation drive. Don't hesitate. Grab those extra toys, lovingly used clothes, and gently love blankets and take them to one of the locations listed below. You don't have to wrap anything, just drop things off. If you are feeling really motivated, offer to drop things off for your friends as well. PIEF will handle the rest.

We dream of seeing overflowing donation boxes.

Official information we received. 

Drop off location maps.

Look for these boxes

2. Robert's Used Cars

Operation Rice-Giving, One Year of Rice for an Orphanage 

DEADLINE: December 31st

CLICK HERE to see the FB Event

This photo was approved for us by the orphanage. 

If addressing hunger is close to your heart, we are also working with a local business  Roberts used cars and auto insurance, as well as community groups Suwan Newbies! and Bundang Social Club, to raise 6,000 US dollars to supply rice to an orphanage for a year. We are have already raised over 1,000 US dollars in three days so we believe this goal is very doable.  Let's break this down. 

Rice for 1 kid for 1 year: $92.30

Rice for 1 kid for 6 months: $46.15

Rice for 1 kid for 1 month: $7.69

Rice for 1 kid for 1 day: $0.26

Get it while it is hot, folks. 

US Paypal: angela.russell1902@gmail.com

Korea Paypal: travelerdani@gmail.com

Citibank Korea 55011-4242-6801 (다니엘)

Shinhan 100-031-104794 (Katie)

IBK(기업은행) 010-4682-4280 (Robert)

GoFund Me (We prefer not to use this option because of fees)

Please include a memo of "rice-giving" for easy tracking! 

Any money that we raise over this goal will go to supply the orphanage with much needed personal supplies. 

Even before reaching our goal for rice, this fundraiser is already a success since Songtan Loco Taco donated a large number of bunk beds to the shelter. The kids were over the moon to have new places to sleep.  It's great to be a part of a community this dedicated the giving spirit. CLICK HERE to see the FB Event

3. Adopt-A-Bag

SOS Asan Shelter Food Donation Program

DEADLINE: January 1st

Last but not least, we have a dream. A dream of stabilizing the food supply for 300 dogs as they wait for forever homes. We are looking for animal lovers to sponsor bags of food each month. We would love to reach our goal of 150 adopted bags by the end of the year. You can adopt them as Christmas Presents for the animal lover in your life. We will create a card and a video of the shelter so they can see the amazing work that their gift supports. CLICK HERE to read more  or to get signup just fill out this form. It will included the information you need to donate. CLICK HERE to help feed puppies.

Do You have Questions?

If you have any additional questions about these giving opportunities, you can send us an email at SouthofSeoul@gmail.com and we will forward you question to the correct person.

5 Places for Craft Beer In Pyeongtaek

Craft beer is never about drinking on a budget, especially when you live in Korea where it's a brand new industry. Only a few years ago we often only had two or three choices of local brews and the rest just didn't exist. Budlight and Miller were considered the fancy import beers.

During that time, the country was filled with expat bathroom brewers making delicious concoctions that shared with one another. It was like the wild west of alcohol. At our house, we used to make batches of Jamaican style ginger beer in kimchi pots that knocked us out after one glass. We don't even want to know what the alcohol percentage was, but it sure tasted good. However, times they are a changing and we no longer need to mix our drinks like potions and sip them out of recycled bottles while telling stories of the last time we had a burrito. The world has come to Korea.

Pyeongtaek certainly hasn't been left out of the new craft beer craze. Here are five craft beer pubs/bars worth checking out on your next night out. Remember, if you are trying to save money don't drink craft beer. Go to the CU, grab a bottle of soju or makgeolli and do it right. These pubs are for when you want to wear your good shoes and be fancy for the night.

Craft Beer Market
Bijeondong Sosabol, Pyeongtaek

Daily Beer
Bijeondong Sosabol, Pyeongtaek

4Frost Bar
Bijeondong Sosabol, Pyeongtaek

Portlandia Craft Beer

Bijeondong Sosabol, Pyeongtaek

64 Ally Tap House 64앨리스탭하우스
Pyeongtaek City, Pyeongtaek

For address and WAZE directions to anything on this blog download the South of Seoul App from either Google Play or Apple App Store. 

Why we do this:

We made the app to accompany the blog because it's easier to keep update with current information. In the past we've tried keeping the information on the blog but it's too hard for us to maintain the information in two places at once over time. Since we compile and write blogs around a full time jobs without compensation, we need to do it the most efficient way possible with as few steps as possible. 

5 All You Can Eat Meat Buffets Under 15,000

These restaurants aren't about being fancy. It's about getting the most bang for your buck (while consuming large amounts of cheap beer and soju).  They are a gift from the gods for all of us less-than-rich people. A good all-you-can eat meat restaurant can make you feel like a king while being   oh-so-kind to your pocket book.

These magical restaurants cost between 10,000 - 15,000 won per person (but you will need at least two people in order to be seated as they don't allow eating alone). You can have all the delicious grilled meat you can muster, as well as sides. These places are often chains (brands) and are favorites with poor college students and foreign teachers on a budget.

Keep in mind, you aren't going here for the epic quality and perfect service. You are going here because you are on a budget and you like to eat delicious things in abundance. Sometimes the french fries might be cold or the lettuce a little limp, but that doesn't really matter after you have grilled your weight in samgupsal and/or galbi.

IMPORTANT TO KNOW before you go. Each all you can eat meat restaurant will have different rules that you need to go by. For example:

• Don't waste food: Many will charge you a 10,000 fee for wasting meat or food, so be sure your eyes aren't bigger than your stomach.
• Pay attention to time: Often "all you can eat" means all you can eat in an hour. Be sure to keep your eye on the clock and don't stay too long. It's basic politeness to keep them in business.
• They will charge for ALL adults at the table: This is not where you want to go if you just ate and are tagging along with friends. It's the rule that if you are sitting at the table, you will be on the bill.
• Don't expect a kid's price, but ask if there is one: Sometimes kids are a different price, and sometimes they are not. Be sure to clarify if there is a difference between kid and adult cost if that is important to you.

With that... drum roll please... our top picks for all you can eat meat under 15,000 won per person. The restaurants mentioned are all listings in the South of Seoul app.

1. Free Cafe 
Seojeongri / Pyeongtaek

2. Ongteori Meat Restaurant 
Pyeongtaek City / Anjung Eup / Seojeongri

3. N Shabu
Pyeongtaek City

4. Sam67House
Sosabol

5. Dutum Galbi All You Can Eat 두툼갈비
Pyeongtaek

BONUS PICK:
This is NOT under 15,000 won per person, it's under 20,000 won per person, and it's all you can eat beef. The deal is too amazing not to mention. The restaurant is out in the countryside and completely worth the drive.