Seoul Vlog: My Favorite Places | Ep. 03

[@goodman72-o6t]

청국장을 좋아하시다니.. 놀랐습니다. 한국사람도 좋아하지 않는 분이 많은데.. 완전 한국인이 되셨네요^^ 새빛섬에서 멋진 한강의 뷰를 보여줘서 감사합니다!

[@peterchoi9981]

As of Korean American living in state for almost all my life of 40 year in southern cal I just like to say thank you for you’re heart felt love of things in Korea I guess long as you have been in Korea to really understand true beauty of Korea and I thank you for you’re passion and creativity of you’re KZbin content we are pretty much same age I think but respect for you 감사합니다. 오래오래 건강하세요 be well hope you enjoy more of what you are happy in life thank you again…

[@MikeFromKorea]

Thank you so much!

[@Mudskipper9876]

The water front was so peaceful. Seoul seems to have quite a lot of greenery. Great video!

[@MikeFromKorea]

Thank you! The amount of greenery around is one of the more positive changes that have happened to Seoul since I've been here. There used to be much, much less of it.

[@szszszsz95395]

​@MikeFromKorea, so true. Even in the 80's and 90's, the streets were barren. The Seoul government has intentionally planted tons of trees and foliage since then.

[@WisconHill]

First commenting here.. As a globally experienced Korean seniors, I assure you Mike is one of a few who can deliver the real true Korea cultures. Loving 청국장찌게 tells everything. Hats off to Mike.., and please keep revealing our real Korean food and living styles which are from rich history.

[@MikeFromKorea]

Thank you! That's very kind.

[@cattytanty6238]

Hello. I am Korean living in Busan. I'm enjoying your video and learning much about Seoul. I've been to Seoul several times before, but it was too long ago. The last time I when there was probably, 20 years ago, in my 20's. You know Seoul much better than me. Now, I'm preparing for KZbin channel just like your video for the purpose of promoting Busan, Korean cultures and unique Busan cultures with English all over the world. I happened to find your video in the middle of it. Thank You.

[@MikeFromKorea]

Thanks for sharing. The world needs more videos about Busan. Best of luck with it!

[@seongirum]

I love Busan, too🎉

[@boramyoon1820]

I especially enjoyed this video because I stayed in Jamwon for a month in the summer of 2021 and it made me feel a tinge of nostalgia. You covered pretty much walked the exact same walk I used to do while there. Another interesting thing about Jamwon is the presence of Japanese companies and businesses that cater to the workers (as far as I can tell, at least). In the video, you walked past that bar Mania Street, where I had some awesome cocktails last summer. The proprietors are your classic rock n roll Japanese guys who make mix great drinks. I'll be back there next month and this video got me excited to return.

[@MikeFromKorea]

Nice! I've always enjoyed walking through Jamwon, especially after a good snowfall. And wow, I totally didn't see Mania Street. Several years ago I sometimes visited one of the Mania Streets deep in the neighborhood north of Sinnohyeon Station. There were two of them there, one was vibey and the other more like a whisky bar. The vibey one is still there, but in a different location. And there was one in Gyeongnidan, too. I had no idea there was one in Jamwon.

[@NinoNlkkl]

청국장 is one of my favorites. I even like the smell of it.😊

[@jotteria79]

As someone who cooks 청국장 myself for the family on a weekly basis.... If you reside on the north side of the river, 지여사청국장(near 대흥역) or 괴산청국장(near 공덕역) are pretty sweet spots too. The former has sides of pork belly, the latter has sides of 갈치 fish. Both are excellent. If yr headed down south, 진주청국장(near 서초역) is a pretty well-dedicated place too. These places all taste different and have different styles, but all offer proper legit 청국장 and are authentic. None are the dreaded franchise microwave-chef type places.

[@MikeFromKorea]

Thanks for the recommendations! I've saved them and will give them a try.

[@아낙수나문-i6o]

아이고 먹고싶어라 맛있게 드세요. 꿀꺽 침넘어가네요❤

[@해피데이-x9i]

우리동네인데 몰랐네요. 청국장 땡겨 미치긋네요.

[@김호구-e8z]

thank you. you showed me very nice view. Even Im Korean ,. I didnt go sabit island. I d like to visit there because of your nice video!

[@MikeFromKorea]

Glad you enjoyed it!

[@송주현-w9y]

I didn't know that there are such a beautiful view spots in Han rivers.

[@ThatsJeanette]

I’ll definitely go for the Cheunggukjang 🥰 I love natto and also really smelly cheese and it’s vegetarian, so sounds perfect 🤩

[@MikeFromKorea]

Enjoy!

[@ruleoflawkorea]

I feel like I am learning from you how Seoul looks like, although I am living in Seoul

[@MikeFromKorea]

Thank you :-)

[@changemakerkorea]

Thank you so much for taking me from cheonggukjang to the Han River. I really love the peaceful vibe in your videos.

[@renedelac]

Now I know why you love Korea from that shot over the water ,😊 I also love Korea been there so many times when I was a flight attendant for Canadian airline , nice blog BTW

[@MikeFromKorea]

Thank you!

[@JJYoon-wj8yi]

There was once a Hanyang apartment complex, with about maybe five buildings next to my middle school, 경원중학교 (Kyungwon MS). It is now replaced with brand new apartments. My middle school was used to be called 잠원중학교 because, well, it was 잠원동 opened in March 1981 which I am the first graduating class. The school later changed the name to 경원중학교 not to be confused with 잠실. Many memories. Seems most of the Hanshins will be replaced someday.

[@whispers555]

What what a great view thanks Han river is so peaceful and healing

[@suprenormal]

Oh wow, I used to frequent that 청국장 place after a night of hard drinking in the 신사 area with my mates lol. It used to be open 24/7 before the pandemic, so it was perfect for getting some good high quality grub in my stomach to balance out all the alcohol before heading home to crash. It's been about 15 years since the last time I've been there. Thanks for the trip down memory lane Mike.

[@MikeFromKorea]

That's cool to hear. I'm glad my video took you back. I can't quite recall the first time I visited the place, but it must have been somewhere in the neighborhood of 15 years ago. A friend and sometimes employer had his offices in the same building (or maybe next door). He took me there for lunch once when I visited. I liked it so much I took my wife, and she loved it, too.

[@elblanco5]

oh man! When you said it was going to be your favorite food that many Koreans wouldn't eat I was hoping it would be cheonggukjang. I also think it's one of my favorite Korean dishes. It smells like old shoes, but as soon as it hits your tongue it "makes sense". It basically *has* to smell that way to taste so good.

[@MikeFromKorea]

People are sometimes surprised that I like it. I'm surprised they don't!

[@uuiioopp30]

영상 잔잔하고 참 좋네요. 구독하고 갑니다!

[@MikeFromKorea]

감사합니다!

[@JDPMediastream]

So nicely done! Thanks for the care and excellent production quality - your videos are wonderfully paced, and a great virtual experience of being there, just hanging out with you - in AMAZING Seoul, Korea. Watching as an American expat in Cuenca, Ecuador.

[@MikeFromKorea]

Many thanks!

[@최동렬-q1d]

Perfect!

[@dennisnoh7789]

Your channel is one of the best chamnels to forward to my non-Korean friends to introduce Korean culture. Thank you so much from a native Korean.

[@MikeFromKorea]

Thank you!

[@RyanKorea]

30 years in Korea, wow! I thought my 7 years were long! Awesome video

[@MikeFromKorea]

Careful! It goes by so fast.

[@lostthenfound]

Awesome video and tour of Jamwon-dong Mike! I'm not going to lie, 청국장 took me a while to get used to, but I've just started to get more into it, and that place looks awesome with the bibimbap as well! Also they did an amazing job with the Han River. I didn't know it used to be all concrete before, but it's definitely one of the best aspects of Seoul! By the way congrats on your channel blowing up! That's great to see!

[@MikeFromKorea]

Thanks, Matt! It's been a pleasant surprise seeing it happen. Personal taste is just inexplicable sometimes. I have no idea why I took to cheongukjang straightaway, took over a year to adjust to kimchi, and can't even get near bundegi without wanting to hurl.

[@lostthenfound]

@@MikeFromKorea haha bundegi is the one I cannot adjust to either! I've noticed that I don't see it being sold on the streets nearly as much as when I first got here. Seems like it's losing popularity in general.

[@skatingcanuck9837]

I saw a youtube video with foreigner expats in Korea. The guest said cheonggukjang was his favourite because it was so earthy and healthy tasting. My Mom likes it, but my Dad does not. The way you mix everything and make a ssam....you really get Korean food.

[@MikeFromKorea]

Thanks!

[@해피데이-x9i]

청국장 찌개 완전 좋아해요. 맛있겠다~~ ! 지금 너무 배고프네요.

[@ceceliadawe2699]

Thanks!

[@MikeFromKorea]

Very kind. Thank you!

[@lizl8997]

Thanks for sharing!

[@MikeFromKorea]

Thanks for watching!

[@PaulKim-wx2fk]

90년대부터 계셨다고 하셔서 미국에서 거주하고 있는 한국인으로서 너무 신기합니다! 대한민국에서 살고계신거랑 미국이랑 비교하신 영상을 올려주셔도 너무 interesting 할것 같아요! Love your videos!

[@freeandgentletv6403]

I am gonna make 청국장찌개 for dinner😊Korean healing food

[@szszszsz95395]

Omg..... as a kid, I abhorred the odor (of the 청국장). As I got older, my taste buds evolved and matured. Now, if I knew of a good restaurant, I would absolutely love it. It's natto in overdrive! I only mention natto because in the west, natto is more popular than 된장.

[@MikeFromKorea]

Then you should really try this place in Sinsa-dong. It's fantastic.

[@szszszsz95395]

​@@MikeFromKoreafor sure! Thx

[@8282GOGO]

잘 봤습니다. 감사합니다~~~^^

[@jslhopper]

You just made my mouth watering.. I love 천국장, 된장찌개, and 설렁탕. My family immigrated to US in 1980. 52 years old now. Amazing how Korea developed so much, specially after 88 Seoul Olympic. Found you channel yesterday and really appreciate your videos. 😊

[@MikeFromKorea]

Very cool. I love hearing stories like this. Thanks for sharing.

[@송주현-w9y]

you ate it very fast and yummy....

[@Luna-wm3qj]

Beautiful

[@MikeFromKorea]

Thank you

[@ladwenjang]

I used to run from that jjigae whenever my mom made it. I still prefer regular dwenjang jjigae over chungkukjang. Mike, dude, You're more Korean than I can ever be! ^^

[@MikeFromKorea]

Yeah, well, there are certain foods here that I do run from. So the balance may yet be in your favor!

[@XarsVariety]

Man, I spent like 3 to 5 summers there in the 90's. I recognize some of the fence patterns and we had a Hansin apt. It was a block from the New Core there. If I'm not getting my places mixed up, there was an underground market that ran parallel to New Core. I used to get underground/bootleg cassette tapes there. I remember I had to be careful because there were police that would walk around and look for kids skipping school. I remember they would turn off the programming for TV for the majority of the times people were at work and kids were at school. Only the military channel was on. We watched a ton of Jeopardy and Wheel of Fortune. There was a pizza shop called Koko's that'd deliver for pretty much free as I remember it. I had to do that and I was really young, but the VHS shops there typically didn't care about my age and so I rented all the Van Damme, James Bond, and Steven Seagal movies with no problems. I gotta go back there and try that stew and see that view at the end. I think I just remember it being really rocky and depressing... sort of Soviet looking.

[@MikeFromKorea]

Thanks for sharing! The underground shopping center is still there. They did a lot of work on the interior a few years back and it's now the Goto Mall: bit.ly/3WqxUls

[@peterhandler-v7h]

청국장? that's new. a surprise. He's korean. proved it. BTW, you were right front of my apartment hahaha. harshin hanyang. He knows about 서초구. wow wow wow. I lived here in seocho-gu. I have never been on that spot! Amazing. I lived a great place View! Thanks. Also a great music at the end :P And the 2 buildings connected bridge like apartment at 이촌동.

[@MikeFromKorea]

Thank you!

[@__-wx8tj]

9:19 Wow, looks good! I'm gonna try this place in Gangnam!

[@MikeFromKorea]

You should!

[@강지한타]

된장과 청국장은 비슷한듯 하면서도 다른 점이 많아요. 영상 설명에 나왔지만 된장은 대두콩을 삶고 빻아 메주로 만들었다가 소금물에 일정 기간 담군 후에 건더기는 된장으로, 걸러낸 액체는 간장이 됩니다. 청국장은 소량의 대두를 삶아 예전 온돌방 따뜻한 아랫목에 5~7일 볏집 등으로 감싸 단기 숙성해서 별미 음식으로 즐겼죠. 일본의 미소와 제조 방법이 유사합니다.

[@dewi9235]

Realy nice video and info! I like it a lot, thank you, you do it well

[@MikeFromKorea]

That's so nice of you. I'm happy you liked it!

[@섬나라두루미]

I used to live in states half of my life time and now living in Korea for rest of my life . Strange thing my eating habit changed quite a bit . Now I can not take hot spicy or strong tastes any more . You must be more korean than myself . Ha ha . Chunggukjang was my favorite now hesitate to take . Nice to see U .

[@MikeFromKorea]

Thanks for sharing!

[@--ee6dm]

Your riverside scene emotion truly transferred to me,, so touched.😚

[@ferryhongdaeoppa4978]

Nice Mike

[@MikeFromKorea]

Thank you!

[@k-grannysophia3994]

Jamsugyo => A bridge that is submerged in water during a flood. Jamsil => A room for rearing silkworms. Jamwon-dong is also deeply related to mulberry trees and sericulture.

[@dullyski]

I love 청국장

[@SHGZR]

맛있게 드셔서 기분 좋네요!❤

[@glenlee5963]

Interesting. I'm a Korean old guy i don't even try Cheunggukjang. i know it is good for health but challenging.

[@MikeFromKorea]

I never tried it until after I got married. The first time was at a little place somewhere near a beach on the west coast during a day trip with my in-laws. It had oysters in it. I was hooked.

[@user-neo705m]

한국어 번역도 좋고 영어를 들으며 가볍게 보기 좋습니다~!!

[@MikeFromKorea]

감사합니다!

[@skatingcanuck9837]

Coming from a hot place like Atlanta how is it that you prefer cooler weather? Doenjang jigae is made with dried anchovy infused broth and yes normally shrimp. I have seen vegan recipes for it online, so I imagine there are some plant based restaurants that serve it. Cheonggukjang is much easier to make than Doenjang jigae.

[@MikeFromKorea]

When I joined the Army, they sent me to South Carolina for basic training. It was winter, and a particularly cold one. We had a winter PT uniform that was basically a track suit: sweat pants with a top that I think may have been a hoodie. But they would make us take the top off and stand there in the short-sleeved t-shirts we wore underneath. We'd put them on again after the run. And sometimes during the day they'd have us form up without jackets. I remember tensing every muscle in my body to get some warmth going. But I acclimatized pretty quick. Since then, I've just not been able to stand hot weather. Especially humid hot weather.

[@skatingcanuck9837]

@@MikeFromKorea I think as we get older the less tolerant we are to extreme heat. I don't mind summer, but intense sun can be harsh. I am a rare Canadian who does not complain about winter. I totally get why some people prefer milder temperatures. In winter you can always add layers, but in summer you can't really take layers off.

[@Leei]

Hey Mike, I’m really enjoying your videos and glad I have discovered your channel. Thank you for sharing your truly unique perspective on South Korean culture and daily life in Seoul. Just out of curiosity, what kind of work are you doing in Seoul? Cheers

[@MikeFromKorea]

Welcome aboard! I've been working from home for the past few years for a tech non-profit based in Seattle.

[@5up226]

Some Korean said, Cheunggukjang smells like hell, but it also tastes like heaven

[@MikeFromKorea]

I think that's a perfect description.

[@justwalking360einfachgehen]

Hi! Thanks for your views on life! I am a German who has lived abroad for 16 yrs (10ys in Korea, 1y US, 5ys Egypt) and I am back in Korea for one last year. Huam Dong is, where I live right now. I enjoy your mellow talking and the occasional "just watch"-moments. I do 360° Walking Videos (just walking, no talking) and wanted to ask you: Do you have any recommendations for one or two (or more) walks of 30-40mins in your favourite area(s)? Would love to hear from you! - Kay

[@MikeFromKorea]

Sure, I can probably give you some recommendations. Please email me at [e-mail]. That's a better interface for a writeup than this one. In the meantime, you might get some ideas from my walking tour channel: www.youtube.com/@ThisOneWalks

[@skatingcanuck9837]

I enjoy your stories you share as a long time expat. May I ask where you are from originally please?

[@MikeFromKorea]

From Atlanta in the US state of Georgia.

[@Ya_SaB]

된장찌개도 아닌, 순두부찌개도 아닌,, 청국장을 좋아해요?? 대박이네 ㅋ

[@ozskzkizz]

You have HOW many followers now?!soon you won’t be able to reply to all your comments! Congrats on the channel growth, it’s all testament to your hard work. And why do I feel the need to say “challenge accepted” with regard to trying to get past the smell to experience the taste…..? Thankyou for the confirmation by the chef that she makes it vegetarian! We’ve put your restaurant suggestion on our list of places to visit 👏🏼🇦🇺

[@MikeFromKorea]

Thank you! I'm glad to hear you've accepted the challenge. When you're able to give it a go, please let me know what you think of it.

[@kbkre56]

한국인 나는 냄새가나서 청국장은 안먹는데 외국인이 청국장을 좋아하다니 뜻밖이네요 ㅎㅎ 청국장은 건강에 매우 좋은 음식이죠 ^^

[@--ee6dm]

Ask a fried egg and sesame oil for the bibimbap. Most hosts would service it for you. Try to ask it next time. :)

[@galaxy1072]

Hi mike you have a good personality and I like your voice too You are good man keep up the good work I’m sure it’s not easy lots of time and effort I’m 65 never try 청국장 and never will be Here in LA there’s one Olympic 청국장 You live in LA and curious try You’ll be shocking not joking lol

[@MikeFromKorea]

Thank you! I'd love to visit LA one day.

[@성이름-g7v1i]

와 청국장을 맛있게 먹는 외국인... 대박이네요

[@oneandonlyetude]

지금은 그래도 어느 정도 나아진 편이지만, 외국인에 꽤나 배타적인 한국 사회에서 이렇게 오랫동안 사시느라 고생 많이 하셨겠네요. 브이로그 잘 봤습니다. 행복하고 건강하게 지내시길 바랍니다.

[@MikeFromKorea]

감사합니다. 과거에는 불편한 상황도 있었지만, 너무 어렵지는 않았어요. 한국에서의 시간은 전반적으로 매우 긍정적이었습니다. 건강하세요.

[@연연이-p3j]

I tried making cheonggukjang at a restaurant and tried making it, but it wasn’t delicious! I really want to eat delicious cheonggukjang. 😅

[@MikeFromKorea]

The place in this video is excellent if you can get there.

[@shawnd.8498]

They say that stew is good for your digestive system and skin quality.

[@gomeng_study]

와 형님 아무리 33년 사셨어도 외국인, 그것도 가장 낯설게 느낄 미국인의 입장에서 청국장을 좋아하시는게 희한합니다

[@iilillliliii]

i believe this is a korean counterpart of blue cheese. although some foreigners call it dead body stew.

[@MikeFromKorea]

I'd forgotten about the "dead body stew". It's been such a long time since I heard that. Thanks!

[@familee1234]

Hey Mike, you seem to incorporate a substantial amount of Korean food into your diet.. with having to walk more in and around Seoul, do you think that lifestyle has helped you stay healthy and fit relative to people our age who live in The States?

[@MikeFromKorea]

The thing is you don't really have to walk to the level that it improves your health. I walked the bare minimum through most of my 30s (from/to the bus stop/subway station) and spent most of my free time parked in front of my computer desk. It didn't matter much what I ate. The result was predicable. I worked incredibly hard to get fit again in my early 40s and was able to maintain it by biking/walking/hiking and eating right. Then I slacked off and went in reverse. So I guess the answer to your question is that having the opportunity to walk so much has helped, but I've still had to be intentional about it. It's still very easy to fall into a sedentary lifestyle and fill up on the wrong kinds of food. Especially today when pretty much anything you want to buy can be delivered.

[@familee1234]

I don’t subscribe to many or hardly any KZbin channels, but I think I know why I like your videos so much. I’m a Korean born in New York now living in Ohio who used to go back and forth to Korea often since I was in elementary school. I would rather be nowhere else in the world than in central Ohio.. this is my home and if anyone asked me why I love it here, I can come up with 10 reasons without hesitation… and I think you have the same thing there in Korea where most travel videos are myopic and only tell half the story while your videos are like bifocals: sharing both the true local sentiments as well as how Korea is viewed panned out as a person who came from elsewhere. 2 funny stories.. there aren’t too many Asians here so I can easily find my kids in a crowded area but the moments we land and exit the plane in Seoul, I lose my kids because everyone looks alike 😂. Secondly, in The States, if you are white, black, Asian or other and a server at a diner is rude to you… you can think… maybe it’s because I’m white, black, Asian or whatever… but as a Korean in Korea, if a waiter or staff is unfriendly… it’s because they don’t like you (as a person) and has nothing to do with race lol.. so in a way, racism can be a little helpful?.. Anyway… good job on your videos Mike! We will keep watching! 🤗

[@sandihunter1260]

Is the heat humid or dry?

[@MikeFromKorea]

Quite humid in the summer. The average humidity is around 75%. It's relatively dry right now, around 55%, but it won't be long before it ticks up. August is the worst.

[@_so_deep__]

알 수 없는 알고리즘이 나를 여기로 인도했네요. 할저씨, 혹시 자녀들도 있겠죠?

[@MikeFromKorea]

저는 자녀가 없습니다.

[@woosam1821]

이런 유튜브가 있구나~

[@lucidgravityy]

I think Your videos are very good for learning english. Please Talk a lot and make a lot of videos as much as you can for English learners.

[@MikeFromKorea]

Thank you! I'll do what I can.

[@CamKrazy2000]

Man, you're more Korean than I am. I can't stand the smell of 청국장. I love 된장찌개 but just can't get past the smell of it.

[@MikeFromKorea]

I can't stand the smell of 번데기 and won't go near it, but 청국장 doesn't affect me like that.

[@CamKrazy2000]

@@MikeFromKorea Wow, they still sell that stuff? Used to eat too much of it and get sick. I would've thought something like that would've have disappeared by now since Korea is so much richer.

[@MikeFromKorea]

​@@CamKrazy2000 I don't see it as often as I used to, but it's still around. My wife loves the stuff.

[@goofy_charles]

청국장은 맛은 있지만... 냄새는 한번은 극복해야하지요. ^^

[@MikeFromKorea]

그럴 만한 가치가 있어요!

[@백민-j4k]

반찬은 적당히 넣고 비빈후 맛을 보며 추가하세요.

[@shawnd.8498]

Do you enjoy Kam-ja-tang?

[@MikeFromKorea]

It's not one of my favorites, but I eat it sometimes. It's especially good late at the end of a night of drinking.

[@송주현-w9y]

can you believe that those apartments are 2 ~3 million dollars US. Although it looks like an old and ugly tall matchbox rectangle buildings......

[@MikeFromKorea]

Yes, I can believe it. My wife is a real estate agent :-) About 15 years ago I knew a guy who was the CEO of a company in Yeouido that was connected to the stock exchange. He also had an apartment in Yeouido where he'd been living for something like 20 years or more. Before he'd been offered the CEO position, he'd retired from a long career in finance, a good portion of which had been spent in the finance ministry. He told me once that he'd had a great career, had built a network of connections and influence, and had ended up in a higher social position than any of the old friends he was still close to, but all of those old friends were quite a lot wealthier than he was. While he'd continued to live in the same apartment he'd bought in the 80s, they'd spent the years buying and selling one apartment after another.

[@풍무-x7f]

[@richardkim6442]

I am learning about the difference between 된장 n 청국장 from an American ha ha ha