Steamed fish. Fried fish. I hate Fish. During my childhood, I avoided fish (stewed, fried or steamed fish) like Cookie avoided jalapeno peppers. When she’s being a pest like ripping up toilet papers, I would hold a freshly broken jalapeno pepper in front of her and she would back away quickly. The sides of her lips quirking up in disgust. The exact same reaction I unconsciously make every time I see my mother cleaning and chopping fishes to make our dinner. And every time I tell my mother I don’t like fish, she always says. “Don’t worry, your taste will …

Bukchon Hanok Village (북촌한옥마을) is a residential area north of central Seoul between Gyeongbokgung and Changdeokgung palaces that contains Seoul’s largest concentration of hanoks in one area. Nine hundred beautifully maintained traditional hanoks to be precise. It is a great place to immerse yourself in traditional Korean culture and architecture right in the heart of Seoul. Bukchon (which means “North Town”) is situated at the foot of the mountain with valleys and steep hills, giving residents and visitors alike astounding views of the hanok houses and the city of Seoul, including N Seoul Tower. It is a beautiful place to wander. To appreciate …