I recently attended a tasting at a new Bistro in downtown Daejeon. Here’s an excerpt from the email we received introducing the tasting…

On April 15th at W-Bistro in Eunhaeng-dong (Daejeon’s old downtown) there will be a major tasting event. This event is to do with traditional KOREAN “jang” based dishes. “Jangs” are the Korean paste/ sauce bases that underly much of their cuisine, similar to the way French (and much western) cuisine is based around white, brown and clear sauces.

…. it will be Fine-Dining/ Haute Cuisine and as said, includes wine…but its not a drink-fest (alas!).

When we arrived we were warmly greeted by busy staff, adding the finishing touches to the restaurant and the tables. The bistro is a cozy affair with lots of natural light. We were sat at an elegantly set window table.

The title of the event was “Fermentation” , and when we took our seats we discovered why. The dishes served would feature DoenJang (Korean Fermented Soybean Paste), GanJang (Korean Soy Sauce), and GochuJang (Korean fermented red chili paste).

Our chef took the floor to welcome everyone (in Korean and English)…

Presented on a bone white china serving tray, were the appetizers…

First, Tangyeonchae… mung-bean jelly, celery, water parsley, bean spout and laver…

Then, the shrimp with pine nut cream…shrimp, pine nut, cucumber, pear…

And last but not least…Japchae…rice paper, mushroom, paprika, green pumpkin…

I enjoyed all three with my favorite being the shrimp. While being very rich, I enjoyed the nice range of flavors from the pine nut to the pear.

The second course began with Abalone with pomegranate…chili paste sauce, abalone, cumquat, daikon, and Chinese cabbage.

The vegetables and sauce complement the abalone nicely, and I loved the presentation. The comment was made that the abalone was a bit tough.

The abalone was followed by steamed tofu with Ssamjang sauce…tofu, mushroom, butterbur, beet and violet sweet potato…

The sweet potato, beet, and ssamjang combined to give this dish a nice blend of flavors, and this was one of my favorites. I thought that cranberry, lemon or basil could also be added to give it a little more oomph.

Next up was the sauteed short arm Octupus with red chili dipping sauce… short arm octopus. rice, tomato, crown daisy…

The onion and tomato combined for an explosion of flavor, and the octopus was perfectly cooked.

The second course ended with Grilled tilapia with soybean paste, velote tiapia, sesame leaf, radish, mushroom, celery, violet cabbage…; served with a sweet white wine (Korean brand)…

I loved the presentation, and this was my favorite of the second course tastings. The radish added a unique flavor. I would have preferred a wine that was not quite so sweet.

A dish of sherbet to freshen the palette… and we were ready to sample the main course…braised beef short rib with sweet soy sauce…beef short rib, asparagus, mushroom, carrot and turnip…

The vegetable were cooked to perfection. The meat was flavorful, but a bit stringy. I enjoyed the hint of sweetness in this dish.

And of course what would a tasting be without desert…Makgeolli tiramisu and sweet potato Sikhye…makgeolli, mascarpone cheese, sweet potato, rice…

One word…………………YUM!!!!

Accompanying each course was Makgeolli…traditional Korean rice wine. There are many different flavors and each brand is usually associated with the area where it is produced. If you’re interested in learning more about Makgeolli here is a link…Makgeolli

My first experience with nouveau Korean cuisine and definitely not the last.

Thank you W Bistro for wonderful evening…..

W Bistro is located in Eunhaeng Dong, downtown Daejeon; steps from the Brickhouse bar. As I am finishing this post I realize that I don’t have their address or opening hours. I will find out and amend this post in the next day or two.

(Please note…no compensation was received for this review and all opinions expressed are mine.)

Follow BTS on Facebook

PHP Freelancer

Budget Travelers Sandbox - Priceless Independent Travel on a Budget is a post from: Budget Travelers Sandbox

I went into Seoul this past Friday to do a few things, and Thursday night I decided I needed a museum fix. I am a self-professed museum junky, and with Spain behind me, it had been at least two weeks since I had stepped foot in a museum of any kind. There is usually at least one major exhibit going on in Seoul this time of year, but all my Goggle searching brought up nothing. I had never been to the Leeum, a private museum funded by Samsung, so after some discussion with my friend we decided on an afternoon visit.

For some strange reason I forgot to get a photo of the building from the outside (and I liked it), but I did get this photo to the sculpture. Here we have a set of spiders sculpted by French artist Louise Bourgeois.

From the English brochure…

“Taking the form of a giant spider, the bronze sculpture Maman, which received worldwide attention upon its debut, represents secret fears the artist experienced as a child, and conjures up a powerful psychological fantasy.”

___

What do you think?

___

The lobby is very modern, and high tech; no surprise since the museum is owned by electronics giant Samsung…

There are even computers available to search for detailed information about individual items in the collection.

___

Museum number 1 houses a fabulous collection of Korean traditional art. Many of the celedon pieces (glazed pottery) dates back to the 12th century and many of the pieces are considered national treasures. The celedon collection was my favorite. The Buddhist art is also not to be missed.

Photos are not permitted in the galleries. However, you can view photos of the collection a the museum’s website…

Leeum Samsung Museum of Art

Museum number 2 houses both Korean and international art works. I didn’t find this collection to suit my taste in art. However, there were a few interesting pieces, and definitely worth the time to visit. I swear I saw Donald Duck in drag in one of the paintings!

____

You can even purchase copies of some of those treasures in the lobby gift shop. You could easily “blow” your budget here; be warned!

____

Although not on the same level as Spain’s Prado or Reina Sophia museums, a visit to the Leeum Samsung Museum of Art is worthy of an afternoon, and very affordable for budget travelers. Tickets to the permanent collection are 10,000KW (approx. $10.00 US).
We didn’t take the audio guide, but I noted that the rental price was around $2.00.

The museum is open Tuesdays to Sundays 10:30am – 6:00pm.

The closest subway is station is Hangangin, Line 6. Come out at Exit 1, and walk a few minutes. You can’t miss the sign for the museum.

Leeum Samsung Museum of Art

PHP Freelancer

Budget Travelers Sandbox - Priceless Independent Travel on a Budget is a post from: Budget Travelers Sandbox

Welcome to another week of Travel Photo Thursday. This week my students are “suffering” through their midterm exams. The weather is turning colder, and I continue to dream of warmer climes.

To join in the Travel Photo Thursday fun simply post a photo on your blog. Return here and place your link in the Mr. Linky at the bottom of this post.

Please post a link to a post featuring a travel photo, not simply a link to your blog.

If you do tweet a shot, please use the hashtag #TPThursday.

Here are two of my favorite shots from the Anseong Dance Festival that I attended several weeks ago.

(To view a larger version click on the photo.)

Spinning the Ribbon… (using only his head)

________

Spinning the Disks

_________

This was a fun and inexpensive day. My only expenses were getting to the festival and lunch. I spent about $20.00.

To learn more about Korean Traditional dancing:

Korean Traditional Dance

If you are planning a trip to Korea, you can find festival information here:

Korea Festivals

________________________

PHP Freelancer

Budget Travelers Sandbox - Priceless Independent Travel on a Budget is a post from: Budget Travelers Sandbox

Welcome to another week of Travel Photo Thursday. The weather has turned cold here in Daejeon. We could be heading for a long winter. I’m glad I’m out of here on December 17th. Last weekend found me enjoying the energy and colors of the Choenan World Dance Festival. In fact, it was so good that I went for two days.

To join in the Travel Photo Thursday fun simply post a photo on your blog. Return here and place your link in the Mr. Linky at the bottom of this post.
Please post a link to a post featuring a travel photo, not simply a link to your blog.

If you do tweet a shot, please use the hashtag #TPThursday.

A few of my favorite shots from the festival…

Mexico…

_________________

_________________

Russia…

_______________

_______________

Korea…

About the Festival

I’ve been to a lot of festival over the years in Korea, and this ranks as one of the best. The venue was large, so although there were a lot of people there, I didn’t feel like I was being crowded. (Remember, Asians have a very different take on personal space then most Westerners. They tend to like to get up close and personal.)

The price was right… free! What more can a budget traveler ask for? Food is always plentiful, but you really do have to look to find anything reasonably priced. We found a restaurant servicing delicious seafood paejeon (Korean pancake). For two, the price was $10.00 US. What a bargain, eh? This included several side dishes. They served the best kimchi! The only other expense was getting there, and we took the train…$13.00 US; another great budget travel bargain! There was a free shuttle available from the train station, and it ran back and forth every twenty minutes until after 11pm.

This festival was also foreigner friendly. They provided an excellent English brochure, and many of the volunteers spoke English. There were lots of kid friendly activities available, and local products for sale.

If you’re planning a trip to Korea, try and take in a festival or two. This is one of the best ways I know of to stretch your travel dollars. You can find a list of festivals here…

Visit Korea

__________________________

PHP Freelancer

Budget Travelers Sandbox - Priceless Independent Travel on a Budget is a post from: Budget Travelers Sandbox

Magnificent Monday is here again (how time flies)! The theme this week is Spring and Autumn Collections. Hosted by Jim at Holes in My Shoes, head over there to view more fantastic spring and fall shots from around the world. You can even join in the fun.

Fall has definitely struck here on the Korean peninsula. This was the first weekend that I have had to wear jeans and a fleece jacket since last April! I even had my gloves on last night. If this cold snap continues, we are in for a long winter. This is my 11th autumn in Korea, and I have taken many great fall shots over the years. Here is a sample…

(Click on any of the photos to view a larger version.)

Changing leaves at Buseoka Temple (Yeongju, Korea)…

____________________

Seoul Forest

______________

Seoul Forest (Taken the same day as the photo above, but at a different location in the park.)

__________________

Daejeon Balloon Festival (held every October in Daejeon)

These shots were all taken on day trips from Daejeon, and are perfect for any budget traveler. The only cost involved was transportation. As you can see autumn in Korea is a canvas of gorgeous color.

PHP Freelancer

Budget Travelers Sandbox - Priceless Independent Travel on a Budget is a post from: Budget Travelers Sandbox

Here we are for another week of Wanderfood Wednesday, kindly hosted by Wanderlust and Lipstick.

Fred Flinstone and his sidekick Dino have made it to Daejeon, Korea. At least that’s what I said the day my bus zipped by the Dino Meat Grill House. Although I’m not a huge meat eater, I knew I had to make it to Dino’s at least once.

We were in for a couple of pleasant surprises. Dino’s is an all you can eat meat restaurant. You choose your meat, various cuts of beef and, pork from a refrigerated display case. Then you move onto a small buffet where you can indulge in salad, kimchi, raw garlic, and all the other condiments that you need for good Korean barbecue. Beef can be very expensive in Korea, so at 15,000W/per person (approximately $17.00US) Dino’s was a steal.

All cooking happens at the table. The beef is cooked over genuine charcoal, which is changed regularly as it cools down. In this shot you can see that we are cooking pork, garlic and kimchi. Yes, grilled kimchi is delicious. I was most impressed with the cuts of beef available. By the time I took this shot taken the beef had disappeared!

If you eat meat, and are living or visiting Daejeon I highly recommend that you experience the beef barbecue at Dino Meat Grill House. Budget travelers will be thrilled with both the quality and the price.

You can find Dino’s on the 312 bus line, or about a 15 minute walk from the Wolpyeong Subway Station.Their phone number is 042-533-0047. The restaurant seems to be popular, so taxi drivers should know it. If not, you can always give the driver the phone number, and he’ll call for directions.

Dino’s is a chain, so you should also be able to find a location in Seoul, and perhaps other larger Korean cities.

Dino Meat Grill House

For more great food posts be sure to check out WanderLust and Lipstick .

PHP Freelancer

Budget Travelers Sandbox - Priceless Independent Travel on a Budget is a post from: Budget Travelers Sandbox

Welcome to another week of Travel Photo Thursday .

To join in the Travel Photo Thursday fun simply post a photo on your blog. Return here and place your link in the Mr. Linky at the bottom of this post. Please remember to leave a comment after you link. Finally, if you have a few moments, visit the others who have linked. Perhaps you can give them a tweet, a stumble, or a comment on their TRAVEL PHOTO THURSDAY.

Please post a link to a post featuring a travel photo, not simply a link to your blog.

If you do tweet a shot, please use the hashtag #TPThursday.

Last Saturday was my birthday, and I spent the weekend with friends at Daecheon Beach on the western coast of Korea. Saturday was perfect beach weather, and the day ended with this gorgeous sunset.

(Click on the photo to view a larger version.)

Daecheon beach is also home to the famous Boryeong Mud Festival. Every July thousands gather to wallow in the beaches’s famous mud. Rumor has it that the mud has special qualities that will give you the glowing skin you’ve always wanted. If you’re ever in Korea in July, get muddy! While accommodation at Daecheon Beach can be a little pricey, budget travelers will be happy to know that the festival is FREE.

To find out more:

Daecheon Beach

PHP Freelancer

Budget Travelers Sandbox - Priceless Independent Travel on a Budget is a post from: Budget Travelers Sandbox

Welcome to Travel Photo Thursday!

The last two days in Daejeon have been VERY wet. Hopefully, the weather is clearing as we approach the weekend, and I head for the beach.

To join in the Travel Photo Thursday fun simply post a photo on your blog. Return here and place your link in the Mr. Linky at the bottom of this post. Please remember to leave a comment after you link. Finally, if you have a few moments, visit the others who have linked. Perhaps you can give them a tweet, a stumble, or a comment on their TRAVEL PHOTO THURSDAY.

Please post a link to a post featuring a travel photo, not simply a link to your blog.

If you do tweet a shot, please use the hashtag #TPThursday.

The weather for Buddha’s birthday party in Seoul last weekend was perfect. This is one of the biggest events of the year, with a huge parade featuring beautiful costumes, lanterns and floats. Here is one of my favorite shots from the day…

(Click on the photo to view a larger version.)

PHP Freelancer

Budget Travelers Sandbox - Priceless Independent Travel on a Budget is a post from: Budget Travelers Sandbox

Welcome to another week of Travel Photo Thursday!

Here in Daejeon winter gray has been replaced with a multitude of colors. The trees are sporting fresh green leaves, the cherry blossoms have graced us with their beauty. Right now, the university campus is covered with pink and red Azazel; my favorite time of the year.

To join in the fun simply post a photo on your blog. Return here and place your link in the Mr. Linky at the bottom of this post. Please remember to leave a comment after you link. Finally, if you have a few moments, visit the others who have linked. Perhaps you can give them a tweet, a stumble, or a comment on their TRAVEL PHOTO THURSDAY.

PLEASE NOTE: The purpose of Travel Photo Thursday is to show-off a photo on your blog. Don’t simply post a link to your site.

If you do tweet a shot, please use the hashtag #TPThursday.

(Click on the photo for a larger version.)

I took this shot on campus a couple of weeks ago. The blossoms were in full bloom…

PHP Freelancer

Budget Travelers Sandbox - Priceless Independent Travel on a Budget is a post from: Budget Travelers Sandbox

Here we are for another week of Wanderfood Wednesday, kindly hosted by Wanderlust and Lipstick.

I love learning to cook the food from the countries that I visit or live in, as much as I do eating it. I’m into my 11th year here in Korea, and from the day I arrived I’ve loved Korean food. The great thing about Korean food is that it’s not only delicious, but relatively easy to make. A favorite dish is Japchae; Korean Fried Noodles. I hope you’ll make this at home and let me know how it turned out…

Recipe

40g. cellophane noodles
50g. pork (leave out for a vegetarian version)
30g.spinach
1 mushroom
1/2 carrot
1/3 onion
1 green onion (slice)
1 clove garlic (crushed)
1 tbls. soy sauce
1 Tbls sesame oil
Sesame seeds to taste
Sugar to taste
Dash of pepper

Blanche the spinach in boiling water; season with sesame oil and salt

Cook the noodle in boiling water until cooked. Season with soy sauce, sesame oil and a bit of sugar.

Slice the mushroom, carrot, and onion.

Slice the pork, season with soy sauce, sugar, sesame oil, crushed garlic, black pepper, and sliced green onion.

Add oil to a fry pan, and fry everything together.

Remove, and sprinkle with sesame seeds.

Enjoy!

PHP Freelancer

Budget Travelers Sandbox - Priceless Independent Travel on a Budget is a post from: Budget Travelers Sandbox