1. What are some popular local dishes that visitors should try in Gumi-si?
a. Gumi Traditional Rice Cake (Gumitteok) – a type of stuffed rice cake filled with red bean paste and covered in soybean powder.
b. Jangguk – a spicy beef and vegetable soup made with Doenjang (Korean fermented soybean paste)
c. Bindaetteok – a savory pancake made with ground mung beans, kimchi, and meat/fish.
d. Ganjang Gejang – raw crabs marinated in soy sauce and served as a side dish.
e. Sanghwacha – a traditional herbal tea made with fruits, nuts, and spices, believed to have medicinal properties.
f. Hodu Gwaja – walnut-shaped pastries filled with red bean paste or other sweet fillings.
g. Sundae Gukbap – a hearty soup made with Korean blood sausage (sundae) and rice.
h. Galbi – marinated beef short ribs grilled over charcoal.
i. Dakgangjeong – crispy fried chicken coated in a sweet and spicy sauce.
j.Ramyun/Noodles – there are many popular noodle dishes to try such as jjajangmyeon (black bean noodles), jjamppong (spicy seafood noodles), and bibim guksu (spicy mixed noodle salad).
2. Are there any vegetarian or vegan restaurants in Gumi-si?
Yes, there are vegetarian and vegan restaurants in Gumi-si. Some options include:
1. Vegitalia – a vegan restaurant serving Italian-inspired dishes with a focus on whole foods and natural ingredients.
2. Cafe Greenroni – a cozy cafe that offers a variety of vegetarian and vegan options such as sandwiches, salads, and smoothies.
3. Midaeru Bakery – a bakery that specializes in organic breads and pastries made without any animal products.
4. Loving Hut – a global chain of vegan restaurants offering a menu of plant-based dishes from around the world.
5. Raw 120 – a raw food restaurant serving fresh and healthy dishes made without cooking or processing.
6. Sumptuous Vegan Restaurant – a Korean-style vegan restaurant serving traditional dishes such as bibimbap, kimchi stew, and tofu dishes.
Note: Do note that not all these restaurants may be completely vegetarian or vegan; some may have meat options as well. It is recommended to inquire about their menus beforehand or check online reviews for more information.
3. Where is a good place to experience traditional Korean dining in Gumi-si?
One good place to experience traditional Korean dining in Gumi-si is at a traditional “hanok” village, such as Hwagae Traditional Market or Gyeongsan Hanok Village. These villages offer a variety of traditional Korean restaurants, street food stalls, and cultural experiences, such as making and tasting traditional rice cakes.
Another popular option is to visit one of the many “jeontong sikdang” (traditional Korean restaurants) scattered throughout the city. These restaurants serve up classic dishes such as bibimbap, bulgogi, and samgyetang in a traditional setting.
Additionally, Dongjin Traditional Market in Gumi-si is a bustling market with an array of food stalls selling local delicacies and street food. Visitors can sample a variety of traditional dishes while immersing themselves in the lively atmosphere of the market.
4. Is there a specific dish or specialty that the city of Gumi-si is known for?
One notable dish in Gumi-si is “gomtang”, a beef bone soup that originated in the city. It is made by boiling beef bones for hours until they become tender, resulting in a flavorful and hearty broth. Other popular dishes include “tteokgalbi” (grilled beef ribs) and “maekjeok” (skewered pork).
5. How easy is it to find international cuisine options in Gumi-si?
It is moderately easy to find international cuisine options in Gumi-si. While the city is known for its traditional Korean dishes, there are also a variety of international restaurants scattered throughout the city. Some popular cuisines available include Chinese, Japanese, Italian, and American. These options can be found in shopping centers, hotels, and standalone restaurants. However, they may not be as readily available or as diverse as in larger cities like Seoul or Busan.
6. Are there any food tours or cooking classes available in Gumi-si?
Yes, there are several food tours and cooking classes available in Gumi-si. Some popular options include:
1. Gumi Local Food Adventure Tour: This tour takes you on a tasting journey through the streets of Gumi, where you can try various local specialties such as bulgogi, galbi, and bibimbap.
2. Korean Cooking Class at Hwaseong Fortress: Learn how to make traditional Korean dishes in a cooking class set within the historic Hwaseong Fortress.
3. Hanok Village Food Tour: This tour lets you experience the traditional Hanok Village while trying out different street foods and snacks along the way.
4. Gumi Makgeolli Brewery Tour: Take a tour of a local makgeolli brewery and learn about Korea’s famous rice wine while enjoying tastings and snacks.
5. Traditional Korean Market Tour: Visit a bustling market full of fresh produce and local delicacies, while learning about the culture and history of Korean cuisine.
6. Templestay Cooking Program: Experience life as a Buddhist monk with an overnight temple stay that includes a vegetarian cooking class using organic ingredients from the temple’s garden.
Note: Due to COVID-19 restrictions, it is advisable to check with the tour operators or cooking class providers for their updated schedules before booking your experience.
7. Can you recommend a good seafood restaurant in the area?
Yes, I would recommend the Captain’s Galley in Myrtle Beach. They specialize in fresh seafood dishes such as shrimp, oysters, and fish. They also have a great selection of non-seafood options for those who prefer variety. The atmosphere is cozy and the service is excellent. I highly recommend trying their crab cakes and seafood platters.
8. Is street food popular in Gumi-si? If so, what are some must-try items?
Yes, street food is popular in Gumi-si. Some must-try items include gimbap (rice rolls), tteokbokki (spicy rice cakes), hotteok (sweet pancakes filled with brown sugar and nuts), and soondae (Korean blood sausage). Other popular options include fried snacks like mandu (dumplings) and twigim (assorted deep-fried vegetables and seafood), as well as grilled meats such as dak-kkochi (chicken skewers) and ojingeo-twigim (fried squid tentacles). There are also many unique street food offerings that can vary depending on the season, such as bindaetteok (mung bean pancakes) in the spring or hoddeok (sweet syrup-filled pancakes) in the winter.
9. Are there any rooftop restaurants with views of the city?
Yes, there are several rooftop restaurants in various cities around the world that offer stunning views of the city skyline. Some examples include:1. The Rooftop by JG at Waldorf Astoria Beverly Hills in Los Angeles, California
2. Sky Garden in London, England
3. Sushisamba in New York City, New York
4. Le Ciel de Paris in Paris, France
5. Vertigo and Moon Bar at Banyan Tree Bangkok in Bangkok, Thailand
6. Nest at One Farrer Hotel & Spa in Singapore
7. Sierra at Hyatt Regency Sydney in Sydney, Australia
8. Hotel Viu Milan Rooftop Restaurant in Milan, Italy
9. La Terrazza Lounge at Four Seasons Hotel Firenze in Florence, Italy
10. What is the most popular local market or food market in Gumi-si?
The most popular local market in Gumi-si is Gumi Seomun Market.
11. Can you suggest a good place to try Korean barbecue?
One good place to try Korean barbecue is at a restaurant called “Gen Korean BBQ House”. They have locations throughout the United States and offer a wide variety of meats, vegetables, and traditional side dishes for customers to grill at their own table. Their menu also includes non-barbecue dishes for those who prefer something different. Additionally, they have a modern and inviting atmosphere that adds to the overall dining experience.
12. Are there any Michelin-starred restaurants in or near Gumi-si?
There are several Michelin-starred restaurants near Gumi-si, including:
1. La Yeon (Seoul) – 3 stars
2. Gaon (Seoul) – 3 stars
3. Jungsik (Seoul) – 2 stars
4. Mingles (Seoul) – 2 stars
5. Mosu (Seoul) – 1 star
6. Kwonsooksoo (Seoul) – 1 star
7. Jinjinbara (Busan) – 1 star
8. Deungshim (Daegu) – 1 star
13. How does the cost of food and dining compare to other cities in Korea?
The cost of food and dining in Korea varies depending on the city. Generally speaking, major cities like Seoul and Busan will have higher prices compared to smaller cities or rural areas.
For example, a meal at a local restaurant in Seoul can range from 7,000 to 15,000 won ($6-13 USD) per person, while a meal in Busan may range from 5,000 to 10,000 won ($4-9 USD) per person. In more rural areas, a simple meal could cost around 3,000 to 7,000 won ($2.50-6 USD) per person.
Some popular dishes such as bulgogi (marinated grilled beef), bibimbap (mixed rice bowl), and kimchi stew may be slightly more expensive in touristy areas or upscale restaurants ranging from 10,000 to 20,000 won ($9-18 USD) per dish.
On the other hand, street food and snacks are relatively cheap and can be found for as low as 1,500 won ($1.30 USD). Fast food options like McDonald’s or KFC are also available at affordable prices with combo meals usually costing around 6,000 to 8,000 won ($5-7 USD).
Overall, the cost of food and dining in Korea is generally affordable compared to other major cities in the world. However, prices may vary depending on location and type of cuisine.
14. Is it common for restaurants to have English menus or English-speaking staff?
It is becoming increasingly common for restaurants to offer English menus and have some staff who can speak English, particularly in popular tourist areas or international cities. However, it may not be guaranteed in smaller, local restaurants or in more remote areas.
15. What are some famous local desserts or sweet treats in Gumi-si?
Some famous local desserts and sweet treats in Gumi-si include:
1. Gumi-hobakjuk (pumpkin porridge): Made with steamed pumpkin, glutinous rice flour, and sugar, this sweet and creamy porridge is a popular dessert in Gumi-si.
2. Gumi-gwajeon (pan-fried rice cakes): These chewy rice cakes are pan-fried until crispy on the outside and then covered in a sweet soy sauce-based glaze.
3. Dongseongdong-tteokguk (rice cake soup): A traditional dish often eaten during the Lunar New Year, this soup contains sliced rice cakes, dumplings, beef or pork slices, and eggs in a clear broth.
4. Sujeonggwa (cinnamon punch): Known for its bright red color, this traditional Korean drink is made with cinnamon bark, ginger, dried persimmons, and honey.
5. Hoedae (red bean bread): This sweet bread is filled with red bean paste and often enjoyed as a snack or for breakfast.
6. Jangguk or Hangwajesu (honey coated sesame crackers): These crispy crackers are coated in honey and sesame seeds for a sweet and nutty flavor.
7. Hotteok (sweet pancakes): A popular street food in Korea, hotteok are filled with brown sugar syrup and chopped peanuts before being fried until crispy on the outside.
8. Yakbap (sweet sticky rice cake): This traditional dessert combines glutinous rice with nuts, dried fruits, honey or brown sugar for a hearty and sweet treat.
9. Jeonyuhwayo hunkwe pellets: Made with roasted buckwheat flour and honey or sugar syrup, these crunchy pellets are a popular snack in Gumi-si.
10. Bupyeon gaarang-tteok: Thin layers of pressed dough stuffed with sweet red bean paste and then pan-fried until crispy, this dessert is a favorite in Gumi-si.
16. Are there any unique dining experiences, such as themed restaurants, in the city?
Yes, there are several unique dining experiences in the city. Some of these include:
1. Alice’s Tea Cup – a Alice in Wonderland themed restaurant that serves tea, scones, sandwiches and other dishes inspired by the beloved book.
2. Ninja New York – a Japanese restaurant with a ninja-themed interior and staff dressed as ninjas who perform magic tricks and stunts during your meal.
3. The Raines Law Room – an upscale cocktail bar hidden behind a secret door inside an unassuming coffee shop, offering guests a speakeasy experience.
4. Jekyll & Hyde Club – a spooky and entertaining haunted house-themed restaurant where costumed actors interact with diners.
5. Dinner on the Orient Express at Le Train Bleu – a vintage train car transformed into an elegant dining room serving French cuisine inspired by the classic novel.
17. Which area of Gumi-si has the best selection of dining options?
The Chilgok-eup area of Gumi-si is known for having a wide variety of dining options, including traditional Korean restaurants, international cuisine, and trendy cafes.
18 .Is street food safe to eat for foreigners?
Street food is generally safe to eat for foreigners, but it is important to exercise caution and use common sense when trying new foods in a foreign country. Here are some tips to follow:1. Choose stalls that are busy with locals: Busy stalls indicate that the food is likely fresh and popular among locals, who are a good gauge of the quality and safety of the food.
2. Watch how the food is prepared: Make sure the food is cooked thoroughly and kept at a safe temperature. Avoid raw or undercooked meats, seafood, and eggs.
3. Wash your hands: Before eating any street food, make sure to wash your hands or use hand sanitizer to reduce the risk of getting sick.
4. Stick to bottled water: Opt for bottled water instead of tap water, even for foods that may have been washed in it. This also applies to drinks with ice in them – ask for no ice or ensure that it is made from purified water.
5. Use discretion when buying from vendors: Use your judgement when choosing vendors to buy from – if their stall looks dirty or if they seem untrustworthy, it’s better to skip their food.
6. Check reviews online: Before trying street food in a new country, it can be helpful to do some research and read reviews from other travelers about which stalls offer safe and delicious options.
Overall, trust your instincts and use common sense when choosing what street foods to try – if something doesn’t look or smell right, it’s best to avoid it. But don’t be afraid to try new dishes and experiences! Street food is often an important part of a culture’s cuisine and can provide insight into a country’s unique flavors and traditions.
19 .Are there any outdoor dining options available during warmer months?
Yes, many restaurants have outdoor dining options available during warmer months. These can include patio seating, rooftop seating, and sidewalk cafes. Some restaurants may also set up temporary outdoor dining areas or host special events such as outdoor BBQs or picnics. Check with individual restaurants for their specific outdoor dining options.
20 .Do most restaurants accept credit cards, or is cash preferred?
Many restaurants do accept credit cards, but it ultimately depends on the individual restaurant. Some may only accept cash, while others may accept both cash and credit cards. It is always a good idea to check with the restaurant beforehand to see what forms of payment they accept.