This evening our dinner will be held in Seoul , capital of South Korea , a city with double charm , the ultramodernità
of tall skyscrapers contrast , ancient palaces, temples , pagodas and gardens. In addition to the “city” of business,
we note the suggestion of an ancient city , is a capital which tells
its past , its modern and why not … its future , in short, is a city that deserves to be discovered and understood.

Namsam ( South Mountain ) is a hill located in the heart Seoul , said the succession of the seasons
With its golden colors of autumn, the gray of winter, until spring awakening
when it appears dressed in new life. Namsam is populated at all hours of the day , meetings joggers along the nearly 8 km.
of mountain path , while a lot of people instead , go to a source for drinking water medication,
Children come for a picnic
while the funicular moves towards the top and the elevator starts to climb the 240m . Tower in Seoul,
equipped with a terrace where you can enjoy a spectacular view

Kyongbokkung , ” glittering palace of happiness “, built in 1392 and destroyed by fire and was rebuilt in 1877 ,
is a complex that includes several buildings , pagodas and pavilions.

Cheongwadae , also known as the Blue House is the residence of the President

 

Do not miss Jogyesa , the largest Buddhist temple in Seoul built in 1938 ,
inside you can admire numerous murals depicting various scenes from the life of Buddha

Yongsan Park definitely a quiet area with trees and ponds
which are a fantastic setting for a picnic

The Great South Gate ( Namdaemun ) ò without doubt one of the national historic treasures , having been built in 1398 …
” The Great Gate of the South” then marks the beginning of the bustling Namdaemun market

To conclude this overview of some of the symbols of Seoul , remember how this city
has become in recent years the scene of numerous and fascinating events , the festival of dance , to the flowers ,

the Lantern Festival which is held in April and May to celebrate the birthday of Buddha

We’re almost ready for dinner, but first I want to introduce you to a feature of Korean cuisine in which there is the theory of the 5 colors :
white, black, red, blue, yellow,
these colors are represented in the ingredients that are used to prepare dishes and condiments.
There is a whole philosophy behind the theory of the 5 colors because every ingredient (which is part of a color) has
specific nutritional properties that bring benefits to a specific organ of the body.
So the result of thought is that the harmony of colors is at the base of a dish that is good for your health.

And here we are finally at the table!

Let’s start with a typical dish of Korean cuisine , bibimbap ,
consists of steamed rice mixed with eggs , meat, vegetables and chili (which in this kitchen never fails )

We continue with the Kimki , made ​​with cabbage , onions , turnips and any other type of seasonal vegetables , salt, pepper , garlic,
everything is left to ferment for weeks in containers similar to our pitchers

The Bulgogi instead is a dish of marinated meat
in soy sauce , garlic , sesame oil and sugar and then cooked on the plate

Galbi , are pork ribs or beef served with kaennip ( perilla leaves ) in which diners ,
wrap the meat , after adding rice , chili paste and salt.

Variant of Galbi is the Dakgalbi , with chicken meat

We are now in my kingdom … the desserts !
We’ll talk now of a sweet Korean flower shape made ​​with flour, honey and sesame oil , is called Yakgwa
that means sweet medicine , because in ancient times honey was considered a curative ingredient .

 

Hotteok is a Korean pan cake made ​​with brown sugar , cinnamon, peanuts and honey

And finally the songpyeon are some sweets that are steamed on a bed of pine needles,
filled with a paste made of ground hazelnuts and red beans,
chestnuts and sesame before being consumed are coated with sesame oil,
you usually eat for the Chuseok holidays ” Autumn Moon ”
that is the biggest Korean holidays , everything stops like us to August,
but the spirit is different, because it is the day of the meeting of the great families .

We absolutely hit by a city so special,colorful and projected into the future ,
but well anchored in the traditions …

I’m back in Rome on my couch , cup of espresso
and in my eyes the charm of the East !
Until next time!
And … the journey continues!