Why Are There So Many Side Dishes (Banchan) in Korea?

Hanbok (한복) is more than just traditional clothing

When people think of Korea, one of the first images that comes to mind is hanbok. But hanbok cannot be fully explained by simply calling it “traditional clothing.”

Hanbok is a clothing that reflects Korea’s long history, culture, and sense of aesthetics. It is known for its loose fit, layered structure, and soft, flowing silhouette.

When do people wear hanbok?

Today, hanbok is not everyday clothing in Korea. It is typically worn on special occasions.

For example, people...

In Korea, people typically use both a spoon and chopsticks during meals.

Tableware in Korea

A typical Korean meal includes both tools.

• Spoon: for rice and soup

• Chopsticks: for side dishes

Each has a distinct role.

Characteristics of Korean Spoons...

In Korea, it is common to wrap food in vegetables before eating.

What Is Ssam?

Ssam is a way of eating where meat, rice, and side dishes are wrapped together in leafy vegetables.

• Lettuce

• Perilla leaves

• Various greens

Different ingredients are combined into one bite....

There are several royal palaces in Seoul.

At first, they might look similar, but once you visit them, each one feels quite different.

That’s why it can be hard to decide where to go.

A quick overview

Here’s a simple way to look at the main palaces in Seoul:

• Gyeongbokgung Palace → the largest and most iconic

• Changdeokgung Palace → a palace designed with nature...