Old Market and Raw Fish Dinner

Yesterday morning we slept in, enjoying the extra hours of sleep. Sleep which is harder to enjoy back home when work knocks on my door at all hours of day and night.

Today my parents in law proposed that I’d visit a Korean medicine doctor. Ever since I was a teenager I’ve had an annoying issue with my stomach. Strong smells cause me to get very uncomfortable with the instinct to throw up, but I never actually do. You can imagine how tough it might have been managing this while working as a flight attendant.

I was very curious to try out the experience of traditional Korean medicine check up. Also I was very hopeful that somehow we’d find a solution to this very peculiar problem I have.

The doctor felt my hand and then my stomach and explained that he might have the solution to my problem. He was going to prepare a concoction for me to take as therapy but it was going to take a couple of days before it would be ready.

And Now Some Food

By the time my visit was finished I had developed quite an appetite. Something very special and interesting dinner was awaiting us. My mother in law drove us to a Korean fish restaurant, where we were going to taste some raw fish dishes.

Raw fish is not extremely common in Korea as it is in Japan, that’s what made this meal so special. The restaurant was really nice, it featured many private dining rooms behind sliding paper doors. Before stepping into the room we all took our shoes off. In the room itself was a low table, one of those where you have to cross your legs and sit on the floor to use. I’m sure you know which ones I’m talking about.

Once we settled in my mother in law placed our order. I didn’t understand what she had ordered, so I didn’t know what was about to come our way. Little after the food started arriving on our table and it just never ended!

I must say the food was amazing, I really enjoyed it. I did end up eating way too much, I could’ve rolled home after leaving the restaurant.

What Did We Eat

We had a a few starters, spicy noodles and a platter of fish which included: oysters, salmon, tuna and other kinds of fish. Immediately afterwards we were served a tray of raw fish with a side of lettuce, soy sauce, wasabi and rice balls.

Something Very Korean

As we walked out of the restaurant I noticed something very Korean with the signs on the street turning on. There were 노래방 (Noraebang) everywhere. Noraebang is the Korean version of Karaoke bars. It might be clear by now that Koreans love to sing and if you have the chance give it a try while you’re in Korea. It’ll be different from any Karaoke bar you’ve ever been to in any other country.

Other Articles

• My First Day in South Korea
• Traveling to South-South Korea
• A Busy First Day in Changwon