Good Food AND it’s Cheap?? Say Less…
By: Brandon Lee, CAS ’25
International Development in Seoul
I’ve always believed that a good meal is the key to anyone’s heart, and I think it’s safe to say that Seoul, South Korea has won me over with its impeccable cuisine. As a Korean American myself, Korean food is my source of comfort. From the captivating smell of fresh kimchi wafting through the air to the sound of meat sizzling on the grill, nothing brings me more joy than sitting down with friends and family for a Korean-style dinner. Just when I thought the Korean food back at my home in New Jersey was good, I’m happy to report that the meals that I’ve had here in Seoul have not disappointed.
During one of my first nights out with friends, I found myself craving samgyeopsal (삼겹살), or grilled pork belly. As soon as I stepped onto the streets of Hongdae (홍대), an array of bright lights and a seemingly endless row of restaurants guided me to my desired destination. Too eager to start eating, I grabbed the first open table in sight and yelled, “저기요!” (which is how one would normally call over a waiter or waitress). Our orders came in one by one, and the hissing grill held us speechless. I wrapped my first ssam (쌈), a piece of meat wrapped in a leafy vegetable, and with the first bite, I knew these next two months would be a reintroduction to my perception of Korean culture.
After a hearty meal of an endless amount of 삼겹살 and vegetables, I was terrified to see how much the meal would cost. I thought to myself, “I don’t know how much this is gonna cost, but r.i.p. the budget.” In an attempt to ease the pain, I peaked at the total on the bottom and gasped at the total. To clarify, it was a gasp filled with a gleeful surprise. We had essentially just paid nearly $12 USD for the best meal of our lives. My heart skipped a beat.
After two weeks of my internship experience in Seoul, that same feeling of excitement and awakening has not diminished in the slightest. With each meal, my friends and I bond over a sense of community, as the family-style meals encourage a connection like no other. I’m excited to see what other foodie adventures the next month and a half will hold, but most importantly, I know my wallet will be thanking me too.
The Global Research and Internship Program (GRIP) provides outstanding undergraduate and graduate students the opportunity to intern or conduct research abroad for 8 to 12 weeks over the summer. Participants gain career-enhancing experience and global exposure that is essential in a global workforce.