Kimchi Museum

The Pulmuone Kimchi Museumis dedicated to Korea’s favorite dish, kimchi. The fermented vegetable sidedish has been a staple of Korean cuisine for many centuries, and there’s anincredible amount to learn about it. The dish comes in hundreds of different forms,and is eaten by locals almost on a daily basis. The museum itself was foundedin 1986, and now attracts more than 100,000 visitors each year.

Begin the visit by learningabout the background of kimchi. A collection of ancient books, paintings, utensils,pots and models highlight the origins of the dish and why it became so popular.Displays explain how kimchi varies depending on the region it’s made in, theingredients used and what season it is.

You’ll also learn howkimchi is made and recipes it works well in. If you’re a foodie, get ready tonote down some of the recipes to try out later. You can also ring ahead andreserve a place in a cooking class, which are offered on a regular basis andhave a fee.

Another feature of themuseum teaches you about kimchi’s beneficial effects on the digestive system byinviting you to study it under a microscope. There are tasting rooms toward theend of the museum, which allow visitors to sample various types of kimchi.You’ll also be able to study kimchi, and Korean food in general, in the dataroom. A well-stocked gift shop completes the experience. Pulmuone KimchiMuseum is closed on Mondays and public holidays. Entry price is minimal anddisplays are English-friendly. The museum is only small, and you’ll probablyneed less than an hour to experience the whole thing. Get there by taking thesubway to Samseong or Cheongdam.