Best Ways to Spend Your Korean Won This December

My husband, his sister, my mother-in-law, and I are ready to brave the chilly winter weather as we embark on our holiday adventure in South Korea this December! We are ready to experience the local culture with every bite of delicious Korean food, put my Hangul skills to the test, and indulge in the world-renowned K-beauty products.

With a limited budget but an abundance of things to explore, I did my research to discover the best ways to spend our Korean won.

#1: BEAUTY OF JOSEON PROPOLIS SERUM

I’ve always been intrigued by honey in skincare, and the Beauty of Joseon Propolis Serum is exactly what my skin needs this winter. This honey-like serum is packed with propolis and niacinamide to balance oil production, minimize pores, and even out skin tone. It’s hydrating without feeling greasy. For about 21,000 KRW, this serum can provide what we need for the dry winter air.

#2: COSRX LOW PH GOOD MORNING GEL CLEANSER

As a longtime fan of COSRX, this gel cleanser never disappoints. It gently cleanses without stripping your skin, thanks to its pH-balanced formula. With BHA to unclog pores and tea tree oil to zap zits, this daily face wash keeps me feeling fresh without worrying about breakouts or dryness. It retails for as low as 10,000 KRW.

#3: SAEM ICELAND HYDRATING EYE STICK

For those days when I’ve hit the snooze button one too many times, The Saem’s Iceland Hydrating Eye Stick is a lifesaver. Infused with Icelandic glacier water, it delivers an instant hydration boost, giving my eyes the freshness they need to start the day right. It’s priced at 8,500 KRW.

#4: MIXSOON BEAN CREAM

Finding the perfect moisturizer can feel impossible until I discovered Mixsoon Bean Cream, selling for about 30,000 KRW. This thick yet light cream is a game-changer, leaving my skin plump, hydrated, and dewy. It’s truly the kind of cream I can see myself using for years to come.

#5: ROM&ND JUICY LASTING TINT

This lip tint is a cult favorite for a reason. Known for its long-lasting formula, the Rom&nd Juicy Lasting Tint offers beautifully soft shades. It’s perfect for achieving a natural, lasting lip look with minimal touch-ups throughout the day. Tint is priced at 13,000 KRW.

Image Credits: romand.us/products/rom-nd-juicy-lasting-tint

#6: AOU GLOWY TINT BALM

AOU has become one of my favorite K-beauty brands, especially their Glowy Tint Balm. Popular among K-pop idols, this balm works double duty as both a lip and cheek tint. For a flesh glow, you can get it for 18,000 KRW.

#7: TEAZEN KOMBUCHA

If you’re looking for a refreshing, healthy drink, Teazen Kombucha is a must-try. Loved by BTS’s Jungkook, this low-calorie, sugar-free kombucha comes in flavors like Shine Muscat and Peach. It retails for about 2,000 KRW.

#8: DELIGHT PROJECT BAGEL CHIPS

You haven’t truly tasted Korea until you’ve tried DELIGHT PROJECT’s bagel chips. Available in savory flavors like “Corn Soup” and “Real Pizza,” these crispy treats are a perfect snack while shopping or exploring. They’re addictive and definitely worth the purchase (i.e., 5,000 KRW each), even if the portions are a bit small.

#9: MEDIHEAL SHEET MASKS

As an avid fan of Korean skincare, I swear by sheet masks for instant hydration. MEDIHEAL offers a range of options, including their Watermide and Tea Tree masks, which are perfect for soothing dry or acne-prone skin. These masks (i.e., 2,000 KRW per mask) leave your skin feeling refreshed and rejuvenated after just one use.

#10: OMORI KIMCHI STEW RAMYUN

Warm up with a bowl of Omori Kimchi Stew Ramyun for about 2,500 KRW. The soft noodles and flavorful broth strike the perfect balance between spicy and tangy, with just the right amount of kimchi. It’s a comfort food that’s perfect for a chilly day in Seoul.

#11: K-FISH FISH CAKES

For a taste of traditional Korean street food, try K-fish fish cakes. These are often used in dishes like tteokbokki (spicy rice cakes) and budae-jjigae (army stew). They’re chewy, savory, and packed with flavor. It retails in the grocery for about 3,500 KRW.

Image Credits: unsplash.com

#12: HAIO SEAWEED

Haio Seaweed (i.e., about 1,500 KRW each) is a simple yet delightful treat. Fresh, lightly toasted with sesame oil, it’s perfect for snacking or pairing with a bowl of rice. It’s the kind of snack you’ll want to stock up on!

#13: CHOCO PIE

No trip to Korea is complete without trying a Choco Pie. This chocolate-coated marshmallow cake, which costs approximately 1,500 KRW, is a beloved Korean snack. With unique flavors constantly being released, it’s always fun to try something new.

#14: AUTHENTIC GINSENG

Looking for an uncommon souvenir? Visit the ginseng market in Jegi-dong for high-quality ginseng products. From raw ginseng to extracts, you’ll find something for every budget, with most tourists spending around 50,000 to 80,000 KRW.

#15: KOREAN SOCKS

One of the best souvenirs you can buy in Korea are their famous socks. Whether you’re looking for something cozy or quirky, you can find a wide variety at affordable prices usually ranging from 1,000 to 3,000 KRW.

#16: FACE CARICATURES

Finally, capture the fun and whimsy of Korea with a face caricature. This entertaining experience allows you to transform your features into a playful work of art. This is perfect for a memorable souvenir or a gift for a loved one. Experience it for about 30,000 to 50,000 KRW via Klook app.

With so much to explore and so little time, these are just a few of the things I can’t wait to try. Which ones will you purchase? Feel free to comment below.

Image Credits: facebook.com/ittsfarahh

Sources: 1,2, 3, & 4

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3 top-rated Korean F&B establishments in Singapore’s little “Koreatown”

Korean BBQ

Do you know where Singapore’s little “Koreatown” is?

I’m putting the word inside quotation marks because it’s an unofficial area at Tanjong Pagar where you will find many Korean food options.

So, how do you know which one’s good?

Well, we’ve put on our critic glasses and sieved out 3 top-rated F&B establishments that we think you will love.

Sodam Korean Restaurant

 

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Address: 48 Tanjong Pagar Road, Singapore 088469

Google reviews: 5 stars (30+ reviews)

We will start our list with Sodam Korean Restaurant, which brings authentic Korean cuisine to life with premium meats, an exciting menu, and reasonable prices.

Newly opened in August, Sodam prides itself on using ethically sourced and high-quality meat for its signature dishes like the succulent Hokkaido ice-aged pork jowl starting at $25 for 200g or the galbi (beef short ribs) at $48 for 200g. Diners can also indulge in one of Sodam’s set menus for two to three people beginning at just $78, featuring an array of the best meats.

Whatever your taste buds crave, Sodam has you covered with lunch specials like a main dish and a drink from only $10. The stylish yet cozy dining area and well-trained staff create an enjoyable ambiance where you can savor authentic Korean flavors without taking a 6-hour-ish flight over to be greeted with ‘annyeonghaseyo’.

예약 YeYak Korean Restaurant

 

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Address: 7 Keppel Road PSA Tanjong Pagar Complex, #01-18, Singapore 089053

Google reviews: 4.9 stars (170+ reviews)

Next up, we have 예약 YeYak for you to discover the real taste of Korea. Authentic Korean recipes and rustic homestyle dishes made with fresh, high-quality ingredients will transport you to the streets of Seoul and beyond.

Start your meal with small bites perfect for sharing, from fried king oyster mushrooms ($12) to fried chicken wings ($15). Or you can indulge right into traditional favorites like pancakes (from $25) to a generous serving of ginseng chicken soup ($38). Wash it all down with soju (from $18) or Korean beer (from $9.90) or pick a non-alcoholic drink if you’d like.

Whether you’re a seasoned Korean food aficionado or just getting your first bite of Korea, 예약 YeYak delivers an experience that’s full of flavor and culinary discovery.

Ilpum Korean BBQ Restaurant

Address: Amara Singapore, 165 Tanjong Pagar Road, Level 2, Singapore 088539

Google reviews: 4.8 stars (50+ reviews)

Last but not least, we have Ilpum Korean BBQ Restaurant, which brings the flavors of the land of kimchi to the table with an inviting blend of authenticity and variety.

Newly opened just a few months ago, this eatery offers ala carte and set menu options, whether you want to DIY your meats and sides or go for the convenience of a pre-selected spread. 

Their pork and beef mix set for 2 to 3 people starts at $160, and lunch sets from $25 offer a no-fuss way to sample classics. Or you can go ala carte and try sundubu jjigae (Korean soft tofu stew) for $25 or army stew for $28. Noodles start at $16 and pancakes from $25.

Whether you’re looking for a hotel-style lunch, sharing plates with friends, or a full traditional feast with the fam, Ilpum’s welcoming atmosphere ensures every visit leaves you wanting another taste of it.

And there you have it, folks. As mentioned earlier in the introduction, there are plenty of Korean food options in the Tanjong Pagar district but we’ve listed the top 3 with exceptionally good ratings so you can be guaranteed a good meal alone or with your food kakis. Have a daebak experience to come, wherever you choose to dine! 😉

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6 Korean Marts In Singapore To Shop For Authentic Products

Watching the first episode of Hometown Cha-Cha-Cha made me crave for Korean food! I know I am not the only one. While there are plenty of glorious restaurant options in town, you can create your own delicious bowl of sundubu jjigae (soft tofu stew) or ramyeon (instant noodles) at home.

Begin by getting your hands on authentic Korean ingredients and products through visiting the following Korean Marts. Most are available online too!

#1: CHOROK MARKET

Nestled in the bustling Orchard area, Chorok Market sells freshly imported vegetables and branded goods from Korea. Get your favorite Lotte snacks and stock up your Soju as you visit the store. You can also purchase items online through their website. Get free delivery for orders above S$80! Order here.

#2: SHINE KOREA

Shine Korea is regarded as one of the most popular Korean marts in Singapore. With its various branches spread across the country, its best-selling items are the Samyang instant noodles. You can find its cool flavors such as Samyang Buldak Tomato Pasta and Samyang Hot Pepper Jjamppong/Jjajang. For your convenience, you may shop through their website. Orders above S$80 can reap its free delivery. Order here.

Image Credits: Ana Sison Tallod via facebook.com

#3: KORYO MART

For many Singaporeans, they visit Korean markets just to get the feel of being in Korea. They soak in the atmosphere without a shopping list on hand. If that is the experience you are looking for, you can visit the Koryo Mart. Its branches have a variety of frozen meats, kimchi, instant noodles, seaweed, soups, sauces, and marinades. These ingredients are perfect for your DIY Korean BBQ party. Koryo Mart is also available at qoo10. Order here.

#4: AMU MAR-TE

Amu Mar-te has two physical outlets in AMK Djitsun Mall and in Canberra Plaza. Its Ang Mo Kio is unique as it is linked to the Korfe Bakery. In this mart, you will find ready-to-eat meals such as soybean stew, salted egg dumplings, and Korean seafood pancakes. Check out their outlets to enjoy their extraordinary daily selection of items that are under S$3! You can also purchase through their Shopee store, here.

Image Credits: amumarte.sg via facebook.com

#5: LEE MART

Lee Mart is often associated with its Korean side dishes. It offers its customers more than that! You will find other Korean products such as anchovies, kimchi, frozen food, braised lotus roots, and instant noodles.

There are currently four outlets in Singapore: Chinatown Point, Suntec City Mall, Hillion Mall, and Heartland Mall. Visit these outlets or browse their website. Get free delivery for purchases above S$70. Order here.

#6: BLUEBASKET

BlueBasket tickles the modern heart as it offers a lot of trendy items and kitchenware. From minimalist Jeju bowls to trendy food items such as Fishcake Noodle Tteokbokki and Makgeolli Brewing Kits, you can find these items here!

Image Credits: pixabay.com

New BlueBasket members can enjoy free delivery coupon without minimum spending when they purchase online. Nonetheless, orders above S$80 get free delivery. Order here.

Korea has a vast majority of grocery store chains where you can do most of your shopping. From convenience stores to marts, these stores sell a variety of food and household items. Since we cannot easily travel to Korea to purchase what we need, you can stop by these abovementioned marts to get your authentic Korean cuisine experience!

Sources: 1 & 2

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Korean Food Pairings To Try In Singapore

Kim Dae Mun Korean Food, Singapore

As Korean cuisine evolves over time due to cultural trends and environmental changes, one thing remains the same. Food has always played a significant part in their national identity. In fact, there are over 200 varieties of their globally known Kimchi (김치).

Let us take a look at the unique Korean food pairings that you can try in Singapore.

#1: CHIMAEK

Kicking off this list is a classic food combo that dates back in the ’70s. Chimaek (치맥) is one of the most popular option when dining out or when ordering in. It is a slang that combines 치 [chi] from 치킨 [chikin] or fried chicken as well as 맥 [maek] from 맥주 [maekju] or beer. Sounds like the perfect comfort food, right?

Chimaek’s popularity peaked during the 2002 Korea-Japan World Cup when many Koreans went to bars to watch the games and eat fried chicken with beer. Singaporeans may enjoy this combo by ordering at Korean eateries such as 아띠식당Ahtti.

#2: ROASTED SWEET POTATOES WITH KIMCHI

Roasted sweet potatoes (고구마) are commonly eaten as a winter snack by children and adults alike. Start by roasting your sweet potatoes in an oven or an air fryer. Once you are done, you can pair it with Kimchi. Put a generous of Kimchi on a slice of your sweet potato before taking a bite.

Indulge in the fusion of sweet, spicy, and sour flavors! Find authentic Kimchi and Korean sweet potatoes in local Korean marts such as Chorok Market.

Related Article: Top Places For Authentic Jjajangmyeon In Singapore (From S$7)

#3: KOREAN BBQ AND SOJU

The rich aroma of freshly grilled Samgyeopsal (삼겹살) wrapped in lettuce and Kimchi is gloriously delicious. Add a shot of Soju to improve your experience. Soju goes well with Korean BBQ because it washes away the greasiness of the meats. This allows you to reach out for your next piece.

What are you waiting for? You can either eat at a Korean BBQ place such as the Korean Fusion BBQ restaurants or order at foodpanda.

#4: SUBAK-SOJU OR WATERMELON SOJU

As the name suggests, Subak-soju (수박소주) combines the freshness of a watermelon and the distinct taste of soju. Fresh watermelon soju was trending before flavored sojus graced the stores. This combination is perfect for people who are newly introduced to soju and are eager to try sweet alcoholic drinks.

A bottle of soju is available at FairPrice for as low as S$9.90.

Begin by removing the contents of the watermelon. Measure 4 cups of blended watermelon juice. Put this in a pitcher. Then, add equal parts of soju and mix it well. Pour this mixture into a “watermelon bowl” and add ice cubes. Serve it cold and enjoy!

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Top Places For Authentic Jjajangmyeon In Singapore (From S$7)

One of the most common take-away dishes in Korean dramas is Jajangmyeon (자장면) or Jjajangmyeon (짜장면). Jjajangmyeon is a Korean noodle dish coated with a thick sauce made of chunjang, vegetables, and diced pork. Different versions of this dish use seafood or other meats.

It was inspired by the Chinese dish Zha Jiang Mian, which was introduced by a Chinese immigrant living in Incheon. Nowadays, Jjajangmyeon brings delight to people all over the world. Luckily for us, we can satisfy our appetite without having to travel to Korea.

#1: MUKJJA

Mukjja‘s catchy name came from 먹자 (Mukja) meaning “Let’s eat!” and 짜 (Jja) from “Jjajangmyeon”. Located opposite Novena Church, MukJja offers a fusion of dishes from the Korean and Chinese cuisines. It opened last March 2020, before the implementation of the Circuit Breaker.

People who have missed the dishes from Tae Woo Ban Jum (i.e., a Korean restaurant that used to be at Clarke Quay) will be happy to know that its founder is the person behind MukJja.

Now, let us focus on MukJja’s Jjajangmyeon (about S$11). What makes their Jjajangmyeon memorable is its in-house noodles, its black bean paste, and its inclusion of shredded meat. Food blogger and presenter Daniel Ang expressed that its taste is as legit as the one he had before in Seoul. He is not alone! Many online reviews considered it as one of the best Jjajangmyeons in Singapore.

Image Credits: facebook.com/mukjja

Address: 275 Thomson Road #01-07, Singapore 307645

#2: DONG FANG HONG

This list will not be complete without the Dong Fang Hong Korean Chinese Restaurant. Dong Fang Hong serves a mouthwatering collection of dishes, which are suitable for casual dining and family gatherings. Serving people since 2005, Dong Fang Hong is one of the most experienced Korean Chinese restaurants in Singapore.

Try the DFH Jjajangmyeon (about S$12) or the Uni Jjajangmyeon (about S$13) when you are there. The DFH Jjajangmyeon is made with chewy handmade noodles and savory black bean sauce. While the Uni Jjajangmyeon is the spicy equivalent its Jjajangmyeon. The spiciness seeps through the thick savory sauce, making the dish more addicting with every bite.

Image Credits: facebook.com/DongFangHongSg

Address: 92 Telok Ayer Street #01-01 Singapore, Singapore 048472

#3: O.BBa Jjajang

O.BBa Jjajang is the sister restaurant of O.BBa BBQ. One of its well-known dishes is the Jjajangmyeon (from S$13). The restaurant’s Jjajangmyeon is served with fermented black soybean paste, homemade noodles, diced pork, onions, and shredded cucumber. Its size can feed about two people, but you are more than welcome to upsize your bowl for an additional fee.

Its noodles are smooth and chewy. As for the sauce, it has a generous sauce-to-noodle ratio. People who love saucy dishes will consider it a treat. Please mix the noodles and the sauce before consuming it to prevent the noodles from sticking together.

Image Credits: facebook.com/obbajjajang

Address: 77 Tanjong Pagar Road, Singapore 088498

#4: ANNYEONG CHICKEN

The most inexpensive Jjajangmyeon (about S$7) on this list packs a punch! You see, it added vibrancy to our local hawker scene with its offerings of popular Korean cuisines such as the Jjajangmyeon. At Annyeong Chicken, the black bean sauce coats every yellow noodle strand. It boasts with a heavy onion flavor too.

You can complete your course with delicious dishes such as the Soy Garlic Chicken (about S$8/3 pieces) and the Haemul Pajeon (from S$10). Haemul Pajeon is otherwise known as the Korean seafood pancake.

Image Credits: facebook.com/annyeongck

Address: Blk 710 Clementi West Street 2, #01-247, Rong Fa Coffee Shop, Singapore 120709

Sources: 1, 2, & 3

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