In this Asian peninsula, the number of side dishes served with meals can reflect a family's wealth. Small but plentiful, these panchan feature fresh ingredients and often the peppers that make such classics as kimchi and bulgogi so famously spicy. While complex in flavor, the simple ingredients used in Korean cuisine make many dishes surprisingly easy to prepare.
1. Rest chopsticks on top or to the side of your bowl. Sticking them in the bowl represents a commemoration for the dead and is a big social no-no.
2. Try kimchi in different restaurants to explore the 100+ varieties available.
3. Meals are served family-style. Be prepared to share many small plates.
4. For a medium-grained rice dish, try bibimpop. For a noodle dish, try chapchae.
1. Rest chopsticks on top or to the side of your bowl. Sticking them in the bowl represents a commemoration for the dead and is a big social no-no.
