I may be spending a month in South Korea this summer teaching English to children at a summer camp, but I am concerned about what I will eat there. I do not mean to be a rude visitor, but I have a sensitive stomach so I do not think I would do well eating a lot of Korean food. How available is American-style food in South Korea? I would be in Jeollanam-do.
Related posts:
Powered by Yahoo!Answers! All rights reserved.
10 responses so far ↓
1 thats-sweeet/ // Jul 11, 2008
Well, I don't know about the place that you're visiting, but you can find places like McDonalds, or McDonalds itself, and Pizza Hut, and KFC, and fast food places such as that.
If you want to prepare yourself for what you might find in Korea, just remember that the main seasoning that they have in their food is garlic and spicy peppers.
2 권영윤 // Jul 11, 2008
in korea there is mcdonalds, pizza hut, burger king, and kfc
if your not really into korean dishes, why dont you try samgyeopsal (삼겹살) or bulgogi (불고기, beef) with rice
its good
3 ÏÈÉú Ï // Jul 11, 2008
They should have western restaurants in downtown.
4 v-man // Jul 11, 2008
You can find all kinds of fast food places like McDonald's, Burger King, KFC, Dunkin Donuts and Lotteria. There are also restaurants such as TGI Friday's, Outback Steakhouse, Pizza Hut and VIPs but they're relatively expensive.
If you do get the courage to try some Korean foods, I'd recommend samgyupsal, galbi or bulgogi. They're quite tasty and inexpensive.
You will be OK.
5 ty777999 // Jul 11, 2008
As others have mentioned, every major chain restaurant exist in korea. As for daily cooking, you can go to any grocery store and find selections that are as great and fresher than anything you've experienced in the states, not to mention the service. If you go to places like Emart, there is literally a customer service rep or two at EACH aisle that hands out samples, points you to sale items, and helps you pick out what you are looking for .
Korea has in the past 5 years or so really gotten into the "health" foods and markets have really exploded with selections for every imaginable palate. Everything's becoming "organic" and "fortified with vitamins." If anything, I was horrified when I came back to the states after living in korea for a couple of years. I was thinking, "But these aren't fresh!" "Where are the pre-seasoned, vacuum packed meats?" "You mean I have to weigh and bag the produce myself?"
Also, food is certainly a big part of a culture, and your korean experience will certainly miss our if you don't try the foods. I am sure if you start with the generic korean fare like bulgogi and bibmbop, you'll get used to it quickly. In my experience, while many korean american immigrants fail to adjust to the american diet and consume primarily korean foods all their lives, but usually americans in korea quickly adapt and fall in love with korean food.
6 xyls v // Jul 11, 2008
the large cities will have some American take out KFC McD's yet tyr this as I did in China..Eat some local food then at other times eat some western food…mix up your routine..It worked for me in PR China
7 peewee_31061 // Jul 11, 2008
There are all types of American-style fast food restaurants there. When I first arrived in Korea back in 2000, I frequented the McDonald's and Pizza Hut. That is until I started trying various Korean dishes and feel in love with them.
8 Mr. EggHead // Jul 11, 2008
A sensitive stomach eh? Don't worry there are plenty of Korean foods that you can enjor with a "sensitive" stomach. Their Chicken joints are great. Pelicana Chicken, Mexicana Chicken, they all serve a sort of sweet and mildly spicy Chicken that is to die for. Be adventurous, don't do the American food thing. Use American food as a resource to get your stomach back on track if it does get a little upset. Everyone has mentioned Bulgogi, Kalbi, and Samgyupsal. My suggestion is get to know some Korean friends your age and just go hang out. Let them know if you can't handle something too spicy, if you don't eat fish, and that you would probably prefer to eat the Octopus cooked and not just chopped up and still moving. You won't hardly find a more hospitable culture than the Korean culture and I know you won't find a more hygienic group of people anywhere else in Asia. You will enjoy your trip much better if you do try the food and your hosts will love you even more for trying it.
9 Christensen // Jul 11, 2008
Hmmm…I hate to disagree with everyone. Even though there are plenty of foreign restaurants in Korea, I'm sad to say that you probably won't have time to eat any of them. I have had a lot of friends who have worked at summer camps in Korea. You have no time! You will be there every day the entire week. I would strongly suggest that you not take the job because it will be very stressful.
This also comes from personal experience. I lived in Korea for three years (two summers on top of that). For the short summers, I was rather busy. That is really when the children get their English education. Even though I lived in Seoul both times, I still craved American food. It was hard. And I'm adventurous! I grew up eating Asian food (my step-mother is Chinese).
So…I would strongly suggest you not take the gig. I loved Korea. But your sensitive stomach might not survive. If you have any questions, feel free to email me at christensenjunk@yahoo.com
10 Ray M // Jul 11, 2008
Tony Roma's is all over Seoul. Only been to the one in Myung Dong.