HIDDEN GEMS

Freiburg im Breisgau

Western Tripura – The Rainbow Land of North-East India

Pescarenico

Champagne and Lorraine. Exploring Troyes, Nancy, and Toul

“우리 [uri], meaning “we” or “our” if translated into English but often used in place of “I” or “my” in Korean. “Uri” reflects the very strong sense of community and the heavy presence of the collective in Korea. By extension, it embodies the idea of “one country one people” very much felt in Korea and the pride that comes with it. ”

This feeling of connection through the community is even more present on a local level in the city of Gwangju, as a result of historical events. The name Gwangju “광주” is based on the Chinese characters “光州” meaning “City of Light.” Gwangju is situated in the South-West of the Korean Peninsula, in the Honam region, about a one-and-a-half-hour train ride from the capital city Seoul. Although it is lesser-known than Seoul or Busan, Gwangju it is definitely worth visiting!

Gwangju’s region has quite the reputation in Korea for its food, for its excellent taste and for dishes special to the Jeolla provinces that make up the Honam region.

If coming to Gwangju by train, the area surrounding the Songjeong Market is a great place to start exploring the Jeolla cuisine. The 떡갈비 tteok-galbi is a speciality from the Gwangju area made from minced beef short ribs or a mixture of beef and pork meat.