K - Granny Sophia

Among the many side dishes Koreans eat with rice, one is more representative than any other : K imchi . Kimchi is a staple on the Korean table. In fact, for many Koreans, a meal without kimchi can somehow feel incomplete. But there isn't just one kind of Kimchi. There are countless varieties, because kimchi can be made with almost any vegetable. Cabbage, radish, cucumber, green onion, and many other vegetables can all be turned into kimchi. Cabbage Kimchi : The Most Familiar Kind Among all these varieties, cabbage kimchi is probably the most familiar to people outside Korea. It is made with napa cabbage and seasoned with ingredients such as chili pepper flakes, garlic, ginger, green onion, fish sauce, salted seafood, and other seasonings. But even cabbage kimchi doesn't taste the same everywhere. Every region and every household can have its own recipe. Some people use more garlic, some add more seafood, and others prefer a milder or stronger flavor. The taste can change consi...

  The Foundation of a Korean Home-Cooked Meal For many Koreans, a home-cooked meal begins with rice . Unlike a Western meal, where bread, pasta, or potatoes may be the main staple, rice has traditionally been at the center of the Korean table. A typical Korean meal is often described very simply as “rice, soup, and side dishes.” This may sound like a simple combination, but there is an incredible variety hidden within it. A Korean home-cooked meal can look completely different from one day to the next, even though the basic structure remains the same. Rice Is More Than Just White Rice The most familiar type of rice in Korea is short-grain white rice , which becomes soft and slightly sticky when cooked. It is especially suitable for eating with Korean soups and side dishes. But Koreans do not always cook plain white rice. Many households mix rice with other grains or beans. For example, multigrain rice (japgokbap) may contain barley, millet, sorghum, or other grains. Bean rice (ko...

 If you are visiting Korea for the first time, eating at a Korean restaurant can be a little different from eating at a restaurant in your own country. Of course, you will discover delicious Korean food such as bibimbap, bulgogi, kimchi, and Korean barbecue. But Korean dining culture is about more than the food itself. How you order, where you sit, the small side dishes that arrive at your table, and even the way you pay can be different from what you are used to. As a Korean grandmother who has lived in Korea for many decades, I would like to share some things that foreign visitors may find useful before eating at a Korean restaurant. 1. Neighborhood Restaurants Are Part of Everyday Korean Life When tourists visit Korea, they often look for famous restaurants or restaurants recommended on travel websites. But if you want to experience everyday Korean life, don't overlook the small restaurants in residential neighborhoods. In Seoul, you can find small restaurants almost everywhere....

  Meta Description : Born in 1950 during the Korean War, a 75-year-old grandmother shares her inspiring journey of mastering YouTube, digital tech, and Generative AI to create art and music in 2026. Today, I want to share my personal story of starting this blog in my mid-70s. Would you care to listen? Most people might assume that someone my age spends her days fiddling with the TV remote or chatting aimlessly with friends. Instead, I sit in front of my computer screen every single day, engaging in a creative tug-of-war with a cutting-edge partner : Artificial Intelligence (AI) . Born amid the gunfire of the Korean War in 1950, I learned to write by tracing letters in the dirt. Today, over seventy years later in 2026, I converse with an AI that understands human speech, crafting stories and composing music together. Where should I even begin unraveling this extraordinary life journey?     (Photo: That little baby held in my older sister’s arms is me! taken in early 1950...

  Hiking : Korea’s Favorite Pastime !   Admittedly, I find myself using age as an excuse lately and haven't been out on the mountain trails much. Instead, I frequently take pleasant walks around my neighborhood along Yangjaecheon Stream and through the Citizen’s Forest. In any case, the perfect hiking season is just around the corner. Interestingly, the latest travel trend among international tourists in Seoul is shifting rapidly beyond traditional spots like Myeong-dong and historic palaces toward urban hiking, or "K-Hiking." In particular, Baegundae Peak  — the highest point of Bukhansan National Park at 836.5 meters, offering panoramic views over all of Seoul—has become a global trekking hotspot, drawing over 4,000 international visitors on average each day. Having a national park accessible simply by hopping on the subway in the middle of a major metropolis is exceedingly rare worldwide. Here is a guide to the shortest route up Baegundae for beginners, along wit...

  Have you ever dreamed of visiting Korea but wondered if traveling there would be comfortable as you get older? Perhaps you have seen pictures of Seoul's beautiful palaces, Korean food, traditional markets, and beautiful mountains. But you may also be wondering : “Will I have to walk a lot?” “Is public transportation difficult?” “Will I be able to find a restroom easily?” “What if I need medicine?” These are very reasonable questions. Korea is an exciting country to explore, but you don't have to travel like a young backpacker to enjoy it. In fact, with a little preparation, Korea can be a very comfortable safe destination for older travelers. Here are 10 things I would like you to know before your trip. 1. You Don't Have to See Everything This may be the most important advice. Don't try to visit ten attractions in one day. Seoul alone has enough places to keep you busy for weeks. Instead, choose one or two main places each day and give yourself time to rest. Have a le...