Fugu Cuisine Restaurant in Hwanggeumdong

Today is the day I want to introduce you the 복어 in Daegu style.

*복어 also known as 복, Fugu (河豚), Pufferfish, Blowfish, Globefish in Tetraodontidae family.

Generally this fish is known as one of most poisonous vertebrates in the world. But the same time, it's known also as a delicate treat for human taste. Only licensed chefs have the right to prepare this fish for eating. We went to find out if the taste is worth the risk.

 

Course & set MENU

one of the menus, the main choices 

A (특) set

side dishes are brought out first together with blowfish skin

Blowfish seasoned skin

surprisingly delicious and juicy, mixed with veggies

 

Blowfish soup

one of most common style, simple yet delicious

Daegu style blowfish BBQ

most delicious part of the fish

after eating the main fish, it's fried with rice & egg circle around it - super delight!

 

Conclusion!

To my surprise, the fish was delicious! It tastes nothing like the fish I'm used to have. In my opinion the taste is similar to a mixture of fish and crab meat. I really enjoyed this treat and if possible, would like to visit the restaurant again.

Price range: 10,000won - 200,000won
Parking: Yes
Location on map:
 복어잡는사람들 황금동

Tips & tricks - NAVER app

As I’ve moved around the cities of Korea, there are some things I’ve noticed that make the life for Koreans a lot easier and smoother but yet doesn’t do the same for foreigners. I’m here to share one my favourite tip I’ve learned and hope it’s as useful for you, too!

Koreans are becoming more and more multi-interactional, using their smartphones and applications for many things. But for that quite often we’re forced to download different apps, because we’re used to have the programs separately. But what if you only download one app and use it for everything you need?

NAVER app proved to be quite useful! Even if it’s in Korean, there’s a dictionary to help you along. Only thing required for that is purchased data or wifi spots. And of course, a smartphone.

* click on the microphone next to the search bar

Code scanner*
코드

-      Useful everywhere, especially for bus times. There are bus stops with interactive time table but then there are ones what not. Instead of looking up for the bus schedule, you can scan the QR code on the bus sign and it’ll tell you how far the bus you’re waiting for is!

Music*
음악

-      I enjoyed myself the other day, sitting down in a café with a healthy drink and checking the credibility of the app. It recognized music so fast and easily, to my astonishment I could learn a lot of new foreigner and Korean songs.

Japanese/Kanji*
일본어/한자

-      As a Japanese language learner, I find this quite useful but sometimes difficult to handle. Especially if you’re interested in recognizing the kanji fast and easily. It translates the words into Korean, it is up to you how you use that information.

There are much more things to do, but I leave the fun of exploring into your hands!

MyKoreanFriends

Looking for a way to get in touch with foreigners around the country or for some foreign minded friendly Koreans?

I've come across this very nice place and decided to stay. Because I like it there, I've decided to share and invite you as well.

As the name says, it's all about MyKoreanFriends.

Here are some of the things you can do.

Hidden beauty of Daegu

I must say, autumn (fall) is probably one of best wonders in nature. In my humble opinion, that is. The vibrant colours and the fragrance of ripe fruits are all around, stunning the senses of every single person. How to enjoy it the best way? Well, people say that as swimming is for summer, skiing is for winter – in Korea, mountains are for autumn. But I say – get lost!

No matter where you go, near or far away from nature, the plants and trees will suddenly appear in your way. Go off the track, get lost a little and explore new areas of your surroundings. Last time on my way to Daegu Arboretum I took a detour. I walked a lot more than I had planned for, but in the end it was worth it.

If the beauty of random places do not stun you, wait a bit – the maximum of autumn colours isn’t here yet. And if that isn’t sufficient enough, visit the amazing huge Arboretum with lots of different sceneries to offer.

Here are few pictures for teasers, but the rest should be experienced personally.

If you’re interested about Daegu Arboretum, then here are some tips.

Best way to commute with public transport:

Take metro line 1 (red) to last station – Daegok [대곡]. From exit nr 3 follow the instruction signs if you wish to arrive there with shortest walking distance. But if you are not in a hurry, take a detour…

Map:

342 Hwaam-ro Dalseo-gu, Daegu, south korea

After all, viewing is for free…

Smart & Stylish - 3rd monorail

The other day, I had an honour to take the first public ride with 3^rd monorail in Daegu. The official start date has been pushed and pushed forward and so was the first test ride for the public. Finally it took place on 10^th of October, 2014.

And I must say – it was an amazing experience. Daegu so far only has two types of public transport – underground (metro) trains and over ground (somewhat dangerous) buses. But now, it has a train going above the street through the city – giving it another view angle. And what an amazing view it is! I hope everyone will get a chance to ride the train one day, just to discover new things in the city that you never knew were there before.

Cool things:

-          The white colour and the clean outlook gives it a sophisticated flavour

-          The train will be operated by a computer, without a human driver

-          The windows behind the seats are light and privacy sensitive, meaning when sunlight hits them or houses are too close – they will go opaque

-          In the curves the train slows down tilts to the side, kind of scary though…

-          The train runs on one rubber wheel… or something like that

-          One train, 3 wagons – all there is

Things to worry about:

-          The big gap between the train doors and the platform,  a perfect place for kids legs and random wheels

-          Automatic timing for boarding and going off as there is nobody to control it manually

-          The official starting date, when will that be..? But better safe than sorry!

-          During emergency, one can only leave the train from both ends of it by a slide. So if you’re stuck in the middle, then…

Basically it will be operating with same system as other public transports in Daegu. It’s an extra line for the trains, making commuting around Daegu more convenient and possibly more enjoyable, too.

Cat & Dog Cafe

Even if there’s a huge problem with stray cats and dogs in South Korea, the younger generation of Koreans really love animals so much they even take care of stray cats, for example, together with strangers by teamwork. When walking down the street anywhere in Daegu, I often see strangers going over to owners with pets to pet the animals or play with them. Not only that, I’ve noticed it especially strongly when I was walking around with my friends dog. Most of Koreans we saw on the way, and we walk all together over 10 kilometres, were noticing the dog, smiling happily and sharing the emotion with their partners. No matter the gender, they all were suddenly really happy and smiling. Cooing over the pets as if they were their own.

Cats and dogs might be the first list of pets to come in mind, but I’ve seen people with rats, hedgehogs and even weasels. However it would be dreadful to visit the owners home due the strong to smell… But the jokes aside, what is not a laughing matter is how the pets are sold in glass boxes or how often they are even abandoned. I guess the reason people are overly joyful with random pets on the street is because it’s really hard to have and keep a pet in Korean society. The apartments are small and the schedules are busy. Pets are like family members who need constant care and attention. And proper space.

Here are some examples of how to take care of a street cat. 
The cat is friendly and very used to people, even while eating he/she will come over, greet the new human and go back to consuming energy. Quite often the cat is surrounded by many school kids who stop to greet the cute furry thing before continuing with their schedule. There's a box with food supplies and a diary for the cat. And on a rainy day, there's a small umbrella shelter as well.

If that is not enough, there are two places to go and play with cats and dogs. I’m not going to go into the ethical part of this and concentrate on the cute positive side instead.

As mentioned, next off is the phenomenon of cat & dog cafés, which operate like normal café’s with special furry addition to it. You’re mostly required to buy a drink and you can enjoy your time with animals in addition.

First off – cats & dogs CATDOG café.

Location: Downtown, Daegu

Price: 8,000w + free drink of your choice

Open: 1:30pm -9:30pm

The place is divided into two sections – floor for cats. And floor for dogs. They offer exchange shoes and a locker for your belongings. You can stay as long as your heart desires, but only one day at time.

Map:
120-16, Dongseongro 3-ga, Jung-gu, Daegu (3-4F) / 대구광역시 중구 동성로 3가 120-16

Second – cats café 양이양이.

Location: Downtown, Daegu

Price: 7,000w + free drink of your choice

Open: ?

It’s a fairly new place – opened in spring 2014, sometimes you can still smell the paint. Of course, changing shoes is required but no locer for your belongings. You can buy a snack for the cats for 2,000w. Endless hours to spend with furry friends..

Address: In downtown of Daegu, near the stage.
If you face the stage, the cafe is at the 11 o'clock.

These are only few things how to enjoy your time with pets in Daegu.

Gourmet cafés

Challenge accepted – to find delicious unique treats in Daegu!

First stop – shaved ice with toppings & syrup (빙수)

Korea is famous for its red bean bingsoo (팥빙수) and to me it is a very delicious cold summer dessert. But what about other bingsoos [aka sherbets] and their toppings? Let’s explore together.

Here’s one!

Even if it is a little difficult to find, Witches & Witch’s Kettle (위치스&위치스케틀) café is worth the trouble! A nice fragrance of delicious treats will fill your nose once you step through the door. The people greet you with a big smile and you automatically feel welcomed.

There are two parts for this café – daily treat & night treat. The daily café part, called Witches II – where our delicious bingsoo is at, is open until 10pm but you can enjoy your time in night part, Witch’s Kettle, until 12am.

My definite recommendation? – Cheese Bingsoo (치즈빙수)

It is not too sweet nor too sour, don’t let the word cheese scare you. It is quite delicious and the size portion is enough for 2-3 people. But if you are very hungry, it is good enough to finish all on your own.

How to get there?

The café is located south of KNU (경북대학교) campus, between Main Gate (경북대정문) and the small gate. Walk down south of the Main Gate and take the second road on the right. When you turn, you see the road splitting into two – the first road is the one to take. Walk down the road until you see the café on your left.

Working hours?

Witches II – 11:00 – 22:00

Witch’s Kettle – 11:00 – 24:00

Tip1: If you grave for western style food, that is a place to check out for lunch.

Tip2: It is a good place for dating, too.

Score: 4.5/5

Second stop – bakery, roll cakes

Because I’m gluten intolerant and can’t eat anything with wheat flour, I had to ask my friends to be the test bunnies for me. Our desired destination – Mary Poppins (메리포핀스).

The coffee shop is cute and the decorations quite adorable, atop of the nice atmosphere - the service is amazing. That is the only café I’ve visited in South Korea, where the waiters and waitresses pay constant attention to their customers. Simplest example is – they never let your water glass get empty.

Mary Poppins is quite famous for its green tea roll cake and going there for first time it is a ‘must buy&try’. As turns out, you can only buy one piece of the cake per order – but it is so delicious you will not regret sharing it with your mates.

Even if I couldn’t try all of it, I sneaked some spoonfuls of the tasty cream inside. My friends and my conclusions combined about the cake are quite positive. The texture is pleasant and smooth. It is relatively easy to ruin a roll cake – it can be either too dry or too spongy, but it was just perfect! The taste is not too sweet, not too sour either and it actually tastes like green tea. Usually when you order something with green tea, quite often there is barely any taste of what you would call green tea. But this cake really is worth its name and certainly its fame.

The roll cake went well with the coffee we ordered. I took the chance to try the hand trip coffee and it was quite good, to my pleasant surprise.

How to get there?
Here's a map...

Score: 5/5