Pamper yourself with olive oil trails & authentic Korean cuisine

OLIVE OIL TRAILS & AUTHENTIC KOREAN CUISINE

Region: Seoul, Andalusia, Puglia

Korea is a food lover's paradise if you are a nonvegetarian but I am sure vegetarians will not be disappointed as there is something for all. Originating from ancient agricultural and nomadic traditions in southern Manchuria and the Korean peninsula, Korean cuisine has evolved through a complex interaction of the natural environment and different cultural trends.

Traditional Korean meals are noted for the number of side dishes that accompany steam-cooked shortgrain rice. Commonly used ingredients include sesame oil, doenjang (fermented bean paste), soy sauce, salt, garlic, ginger, and gochujang (fermented red chilli paste).

Must-Have Dishes

Bibimbap, Samgye-Tang (Ginseng chicken soup), Gimbap, Korean Hweh (Raw Fish Delicacy Juk (Porridge), Patbingsu, Korean Shabu Shabu and Tteokbokki. Travellers also like the Egg Bread and Gyeongju (a pastry with a sweet red bean filling).

According to Byungsun Lee, Director, Korea Tourism Organisation, "Korean Food is becoming popular amongst Indians. Many Indians now relish Korean delicacies specially Kimchi and Bibimbap. I would like to invite more and more Indians to come to South Korea and enjoy the best of Korean hospitality and vast variety of food options."

Olive Oil Trails

Sample local gastronomy and explore the Olive Route in the Sierra Mágina Mountains in Andalusia, Spain where there are olive groves set around the Sierra Mágina Nature Reserve.

Tourists can visit towns and villages that reflect olive growing culture. You will have the chance to visit 'Almazaras' (mills where olives are crushed), take part in tasting sessions and discover the whole virgin olive oil production process.

Cordoba, also in Andalusia, is another of the main olive oil producing areas in Spain. There are guided visits to Hornachuelos, Montoro and Adamuz, close to the city of Cordoba and the Cardeña-Montoro and Hornachuelos Nature Reserves, home to more than 100,000 hectares of olive groves.

Puglia, Italy

Puglia is famous for many things including truffle, pasta, sandy beaches and the pizza to name a few. But what defines Puglia is its 50 to 60 million olive trees. Puglia produces around 40 per cent of Italy's olive oil.

A great many varieties of olives are grown, the most common being Ogliarola, Cellina di Nardò, Coratina, Frantoio, Leccino, Peranzana, Garganica, Rotondella, Cima di Bitonto and Cima di Mola.

DID YOU KNOW?

When in Korea, be careful of table etiquette. Koreans usually don't start eating unless the eldest at the table has begun to eat. (Image: © Adie Bush/cultura/Corbis)