For visitors to Korea, often one of the most unique and exciting aspects of the pending journey is the opportunity to sample Korean food. Completely distinct from any other Asian cuisine, the Korean diet often runs on the slightly spicy side, and is richly endowed with fermented foods, vegetables, grains, soups and teas. Korea boasts hundreds of vegetable and wild green dishes and the Korean meal is almost always accompanied by a big bowl of hot soup or stew.

Some travelers may have a passing familiarity with kimchi—Korea’s most popular side dish, fresh cabbage fermented in chili paste and garlic—which is served at every meal. Another popular Korea dish, bulgogi is also known as “Korean Barbecue.” These items and many more have been fully explored in the KNTO brochure The Wonderful World of Korean Food. A 40-page, four-color, high-gloss publication that provides an overview of some of the nation’s more popular entrees, as well as detailing the customs behind Korean dining. For the particularly adventurous food traveler, the guide introduces five cooking schools in Korea, and also provides ten popular recipes to try at home. To receive a copy of the Wonderful World of Korean Food, contact the Korea National Tourism Organization at 800/868-7567.