18 Beonji Budae Jjigae (Korean Army Stew)

Who can resist Korean savory, salubrious and spicy stew~?!!

Though my tolerance of spicy food is low, but I don't mind bear the spiciness and pain inside my ears for yummy foods. Especially in Korea, they've so many type of stews as they are part of almost every Korean meals. It's easy to find too as they are mostly available at food stalls or restaurants. 

We'd tried these famous stews like:  Kimchi Stew (김치찌개), Korean Bean Paste Stew (된장 찌개), Soft Tofu Stew (순두부찌개). We'd tasted Maeuntang and Samyetang which can be considered as stews because they're thicker and tangier.

Must eat foods in Korea: Stew, stew and still~ stew!!!

But... we never tried Korean Army Stew (부대찌개 = Budaejjigae). Not that I don't know this famous stew. But, this stew is more like fusion Korean-American dish because they put Spam and cheese on it. I just couldn't imagine the taste. Therefore, I got this mixing feeling to try and not to try as I'm quite picky on food and don't really like weird mixing taste~!

My hubby googled popular foods in this district. Out of the listed foods,  he picked this stew quite  as we never eat this before. For the conservative me, I actually prefer familiar foods but...

It seemed like 18 번지 부대찌개 heard my hubby's selection, 

and quickly appeared in front of our eyes!

  

 

I left me with no chance and excuse to change to other cuisine

as he walked to 18 Beonji Budae Jjigae menu banner.

   

It's on second floor of this building...

        

Just follow the arrows for direction...

      

Spicy taste or Soft taste or Beef or Hand-made Sausage Stew |

add-on ingredients for Stew and Duruchigi | Drinks.

         

Pork Belly Duruchigi / Roll sausage / Grill minced Beef Rib /

Steamed potato Dumplings / Steamed Egg.

      

 Recommended Set Menu at cheaper price.

 

Ordered Spicy Taste Sausage Stew (18 번지 부대찌개) with 18 ingredients in it. 

The price is KRW 7,000 / person.

The waitress served rice, ice water and 4 types of side dishes: 

Fish cake (오뎅 = Odeng), pickled onion, thinly sliced pickled radish, 

and cubed kimchi radish (깍두기 = Kkakdugi).

Five minutes later, the waitress carried nicely arranged ingredients
on this large pan and a jug of broth on another hand. Then she put it on
top of the stove, poured the broth, covered the lid and on the fire to boil them.

  Western ingredients such as SPAM, sausage, cheese, canned American beans, macaronis

mixed with local ingredients including kimchi, rice cakes (ddeok), tofu,

and gochujang paste, spring onions, minced garlic, sliced onion for seasoning.

Spicy savory Army Stew... Are you salivating? ;P

Ready to ATTACK~!!!

This stew was named Budae Jjigae (부대찌개), because it was most commonly found nearby American Army Bases. The soup was also called the 'Johnson Tang (존슨 탕)' combining surname of former American president Lyndon B. Johnson and Tang (탕 = Soup).

Budae Jjigae is one of Korea’s leading fusion dishes.  This dish also embodies 

the memories of the Korean War. It's originated during famine years of the war. 

They made this dish by combining leftover meat such as Spam and sausages 

discarded from U.S. Army bases with others available ingredients...

As usual, we never waste food!
Please remember how precious was this stew during the war time.

At first I was so worried to try this jjigae. You know I'd this peculiar principle of eating food. My first tasting of the food is super important that resulted either I'll continue to it or it'll be the first and the last time. For examples Durians and Singapore Laksa... I tried them once, but they failed or not suitable to my palate.

However, if I like that particular food at the first try, even the subsequent places not serving it as good as what I expected, I'll still give chances and keep eating it. It's like how I love Penang Asam Laksa!

Ok, my worry was unnecessary! Perfectly mixed and matched of East and West ingredients created  yummy and tantalizing fusion-taste stew. 

We actually wanted to add-on Samgyupsal, but they said pork belly only available for Duruchigi add-on and not for Budaejjigae. So, we skipped it since we don't really like to add others items available for Budae Jjigae. 

 Wow, there were so many celebrities had their meals and recommended this stew!

If you want to try Korean Army Stew, do come here! Maybe you can kill 2 birds with one stone. I think it's higher possibility to see the above idols dining here than on the streets :P

I'll be coming back for sure!!!

We really enjoyed this savory and satisfying Army Stew. It's affordable too and they even offer unlimited refill of rice and ramen. We didn't ask for refill, as that portion of rice is about what we eat normally.

Service was excellent too... the waitresses diligently checking and controlling the heat until it's cooked and ready for us to enjoy this tasty stew. Two thumbs up and highly recommended! ^^

 18 Beonji Budae Jjigae (18번지부대찌개)

Add: 서울시 서대문구 창천동 18-1번지 2층

Seodaemun-gu, Changcheondong 18-1 (2nd floor)

Reservations Phone: (02) 312-0717

Sinchon Station (Exit 3)

I still not used to the dry and cold winter especially at night time.

Happy to see a cart selling hot snacks to chase away the chill~!

Cute happy Koi Bread (행복한 잉어빵): "I'm sweet!"

Me: "Want want you chu~ Want you I want you~!" (ala Entoi Want You Song).

We ate this sweet egg bread (계란빵) at Hongdae. It's one of my daughter's favorite snacks.

 

Bought 2 cute Koi Breads with sweet red bean paste filling.

It's actually similar to Fish Bread (붕어빵 = Bungeoppang) or 

Chrysanthemum Bread (국화빵 = Gukhwappang). 

They are just varied in the shapes ^^

 Do you prefer to eat this Koi Bread from the head or the tail first?

Related Posts:

~ Soft Tofu Stew and Pork Ribs Haejangguk 

~ Egg Bread (계란 빵 = Gaeran Bbang)

~ Korean Sugar Pancakes (호떡 = Hotteok)

~ Chrysanthemum Bread (국화빵 = Gukhwappang)

 

Un-un-un-un-un-Unbelieveable Sinchon Shopping Street

It's our first time to step our feet in Sinchon. We only explored and shopped around Myeongdong, Dongdaemnun, Insadong, Itaewon, Hongdae, and Garosugil during our first two trips in Korea.

 Sinchon Station is located between Hongik University (Hongdae) Station 

and Ewha Womans University (Edae) Station.

Sinchon (신촌 = new village) is so vibrant in the evening.

STOP!!! What happen? Why crowds rounding at the middle of the street?! Oh~! It's bubble show!!!

 

 I know right... people were all stunned seeing this

 enormous long bubble right in front of their faces! :O

Oh that's nothing yet! He asked the boy to squat there and with his magic bubble wands...

Adaabracadabra! now the boy's inside the bubble...

and then they slowly flying up~up~up~ to the sky! 

(Unbelievable?!) ㅎㅎ Ok ok... it's just my wild imagination on flying part. But, isn't it awesome show?! Actually the boy can stand, you see there's still enough room for him...

Did you notice that we're standing on zebra cross road? and that orange lighted traffic light on the above photos? How did we stop the whole traffic for this bubble performance? 

The answer is This Sinchon’s Yeonsei road is closed for cars. It's the first Transit Mall (대중교통전용지구) in Seoul.

It's nice to stroll around this endless pedestrians-friendly shopping streets. Besides shopping stores, this street certainly not lack of yummy foods. These restaurants and cool cafes mostly on the second or third floor of the buildings. Do look up for them~!^^

      

That big red pipe looks like submarine periscope!

         

let's have a sight observation of Sinchon from here!

Wefie time! Smile~^^

It said that prices here are more competitive and cheaper to make it more affordable for students since this is university district. Therefore, it's one of the popular hanging places for students, youngsters and family.

 

My kids like Totoro, but I think it's one of the prizes and not for selling...

          

Beautiful red brick Church.

Actually I wanted to take a look at Yonsei University, one of the oldest and most prestigious universities in Korea. But we couldn't find it, but found..

 Lovely and cute mural 'Sinchon'.

was it painted on 25 May 2013? 

    The bubble man still performing there when we walked back.

But instead of big bubble, he used this want with net to create...

~~~gazillion bubbles~~~

~Bubbles bubbles please come to me~

OMG! I didn't know that the lady and the guy in blue jacket looking at me 

unbelievably as I was happily catching the bubbles flying around me!

And because of this awkward photo, my head suddenly playing Chen Tian Wen's Unbelievable Song. If you never listen before, please click on the above link for this catchy song and hilarious music video from a true blue uncle of Singapore! 

Then, I got this idea and edited some of the photos according to Unbelievable song lyrics while listening it from Youtube. :P

skin and cosmetics stores also mushrooming around Sinchon...

See! this Rilakkuma in-charge of dragging and pushing 

people to Tonymoly shop. I was one of the victims!

Ended up bought Timeless Placenta Toner and Emulsion as the salesgirl keep saying that it's a good product. They didn't advertise it, so customer can have a great discount,... I forgot the price, but she said normally it'll be double the price, but now I can get Toner + Emulsion for the price of one product (50% discount). I just bought it, so I can get out from the store.

I just started to use the toner about 2 weeks ago. Actually I'd no idea when to apply this emulsion, because I normally only apply toner and moisturizer after washed my face. So, not yet trying open it!

Again, he/she saw me standing there and tried to push me inside again! I quickly took out from my bag the products I purchased inside Tonymoly plastic bag. Heol~!!! 

Then I said I want to take a photo and the next second... Wow you're so good in posing Rilakkuma! Thanks and see you next time yah~! We're going for food hunting!

   My naughty Rilakkuma you are 

un~un~un~un~un~unbelievable cute~^^

Related Posts:
~ Insadong, Dongdaemun and Myeongdong
~ Myeongdong Art Theater (명동예술극장)
~ Hongdae - Hongik University Street (홍대)
~ Trazy - Sinchon

Trazy's Survival Tips for Travellers to Korea #2: Seoul's Public Transportation System

Welcome to Seoul!

Now that you’ve arrived, how do you get around this massive city? There are three options: Bus, Taxi, and Metro. For Bus and Metro, it is recommended to use T-money items as fares are discounted 100 won (about 10 cent) per trip. In addition you are allowed up to 4 free transfers when you use T-money items.

BUSES

   

All Credit for pictures to hikorea.go.kr

The Blue buses travel across the city and  drive through at least two districts.Green buses operate in at least one district and carry passengers to metro transfer points. Red buses are express buses connecting Seoul with the suburbs and cities surrounding it. Bus service is fast and direct, so if you need to go outside of Seoul and don’t want to take the train, take this. If you have subscribed to a local Telecom service there is free-WiFi for you. Lastly, Yellow buses travel in a closed circle around major districts.

Most buses end their service at 11pm, but some run till 3am.

To get more info for buses , download the mobile app Seoul Bus  and enter the bus stations ID number to find out more information on run times (see below as some end at 23:54 while another at 01:49) or for when buses are arriving at your current location.Use Google maps to give you a set course of which buses to take to arrive at your chosen directions. For those with a little knowledge of Korean, use Naver Map.

Popular Bus Routes

Some popular bus routes that you’ll want to take are:

#273 that travels to Hongdae, Sinchon, Gwanghwamun

#104 travels to Gwangjang Market, Myeongdong, Namdaemun Market

#472 stops at Seolleung, Sinsa “Garosugil“, and Apgujeong “Rodeo Street”

For the Blue, Green, and Red Buses, the standard fee is 1,150 won in cash and1,050 won with a T-money card. For the Yellow bus the standard fee is 950 won. When using the the T-money card, just place the card on top of the sensor ( See picture below) and your charge and remaining balance will be shown.

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TAXI

When you’re in a rush, a taxi will be there to get you to your destination as fast as possible. But, which taxi should you take?

The first option for taxis are silver, white or orange colored taxis. There are two types: standard taxi company and individually owned taxi (개인).

The next option is the deluxe taxi. While deluxe taxis are more expensive than normal taxis, they more comfortable and offer a more pleasant ride than the standard. They are usually black.

Your last option is the International taxi, usually found around tourist areas. If you want to make a reservation or inquiry call Navi Call (1599-8255), K-Taxi (1577-9977), N Call (1688-2255) and for online reservations visit here  (English).

The fees for each type of  taxi are as follow :

Tip: 1. When taking a taxi in Seoul make sure you’re not taking taxi’s labeled ( 경기고양 or  인천: Gyeongi Province or Incheon City). They may refuse to take you since they operate outside of  Seoul.

*If a taxi refuses to take you other than not being a Seoul taxi or refusing to use the fare meter (it’s against the law to do so) please report the license plate number, time and date of use, and the destination details (i.e. starting and ending destination) to happyride@seoul.go.kr or the Korea Tourism Organization Tourist Complaint Center (☎ 02-735-0101, 02-1330).

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METRO

Last but not least is Seoul’s metro system. Seoul Metro system is very clean and convenient. There are 9 lines on the Seoul Metro numbered 1-9. In addition, there  are other lines that go to Gyeonggi Province connected to the metro system such as Incheon, Airport Railroad and Bundang.

You can download the map here  and use the interactive map on the page to plan your trip easily. The website is available in Korean, English, Chinese (traditional and simplified), and Japanese.

The fee for a single journey ticket on the Seoul Metro is  1,150 won per ticket in cash and 1,050 won with T-money card. If you’re traveling long distances the fees are :

So how do you  take the Seoul Metro?

1. Locate the Metro Station.

2. Purchase a ticket at the vending machine or use your T-money card.

3. Locate the turnstile.4. Insert your ticket or place your T-money item on the sensor.

5. When you’re inside, some maps can help you. On the left is a map of the direction the train is headed. On your right are the times the metro will run.  In this case the Line 2 metro ends at 23:58.

6. There are also Screens letting you know when your train arrives 

7. Finally as you exit the train, insert your ticket or place your T-money item on the sensor again to exit the station. As you exit, you’ll notice signs (see picture below) which will help you figure out which exit to go through to reach your destination. 
 

 Was this helpful for you? Let us know in the comments section. For more survival tips  and new locations visit this blog and Trazy.com, your online guidebook to all things local  in Korea.

(This post is authorized reblog from Trazy).