UNSRC Korean Cultural Society

KOREA HERALD

Luke Dale-Roberts` Mero “Bibimbap” with langoustines, Korean rice, carrot emulsion and teriyaki, which was served during the Amazing Korean Table festival. [Seoul Tourism Organization]

The first annual Amazing Korean Table festival came to a close last weekend.

The gourmet event, which started on Oct. 28 and ran through Sunday, brought in a quartet of world-renowned chefs, a group of overseas reporters and a slew of aspiring young Korean chefs all looking to explore the world of Korean cuisine in its various mutations. The underlying theme, of course, was the globalization of hansik.

Based on on-the-spot interviews with some overseas reporters and participating top chefs, the galbi jjim and the dumpling soup were a hit at the event’s welcoming dinner. The dinner, an elaborate palatial meal planned by “Jewel in the Palace” food consultant and important intangible cultural asset Han Bok-ryeo, took place on Oct. 28.

“The dumplings in the broth were so beautiful to look at,” said Hilary Biller, food editor of Sunday Times Travel and Food. “Just the whole composition was so pretty, so tasty, so simple, but so special.”

French finance paper Les Echos’ food critic Jean Louis Galesne singled out the galbi jjim: “I love the beef pot-au-feu.”

Galesne, who has reported on Korean restaurants in France and was in Korea to write an article on food in Seoul, also enjoyed the “three-way kimchi.”

“It was stunning,” said British chef Luke Dale-Roberts, who served up hansik-inspired dishes at Lotte Hotel Seoul throughout the festival.

“Always for me, the galbi jjjim,” he answered when asked what his favorite dish was.

When asked about the makgeolli served at the dinner, Dale-Roberts said: “I think it’s an interesting drink. I think its color makes it interesting. It looks like milk.”

“I enjoyed it,” said South Africa-based food editor Biller. “It tasted like a soft drink.”

Biller, however, expressed her surprise that it came in a plastic bottle, saying: “I thought it would come in a glass bottle.”

When asked what he thought of packaging makgeolli in plastic bottles at a class he held as a part of the event, leading sommelier Andreas Larsson answered: “Well, I think plastic is never really sexy.”

Larsson also seemed to exhibit a preference for glass bottling, a packaging trend that is gaining momentum in Korea’s burgeoning makgeolli market.

Larsson, named the Best Sommelier of the World in 2007, put his pairing skills to the test at a class that matched Korean food with wine and Korean alcoholic beverages with Western cuisine. For the first time in his career, the Swedish native held the “first extensive tasting I’ve ever made of Korean liquors” in front of an audience.

Holding court to 35 attendees, he sniffed, tasted and recommended pairings for bokbunja wine, premium soju, Baesangmyun Brewery’s Sansachun and, of course, makgeolli.

“I really like this one,” Larsson appreciated the ruby red bokbunja wine. “It is very youthful and vibrant. I get the notion of red fresh fruit.”

“It is something that could work very well with a Korean beef tartare,” he continued. “I normally would love to have this with a dessert based on berries and sample this with cheese.”

For the premium soju, which was aged in oak, Larsson recommended protein-rich fishes. He then paired the Sansachun, a drink made with hawthorn berries and cornus fruit, with crabs, scallops and tomato-based dishes.

“It is something one could consider using where one normally uses rose wine,” he explained.

Larsson also recommended pairing a Chilean Pinot Noir with bulgogi, an alternative for those who prefer a red to the oft-recommended Asian food companion, Riesling.

More cross-cultural explorations of food and wine, this time in cuisine, were conducted by La Colombe head chef and manager Luke Dale-Roberts.

Dale-Roberts — who helped open restaurants in Seoul, Singapore and the Philippines — passed on his extensive knowledge of how to blend aspects of both Asian and French cuisine into beautiful and eloquently-flavored dishes at a class on Oct. 30.

His take on bibimbap highlighted the infinite potential of this time-honored dish.

Dale-Roberts’ twist on bibimbap was served on a plate. Instead of putting a dollop of gochujang in the center, he stroked it onto the plate and then added orbs of rice, Patagonian toothfish and diced langoustines dressed in a doenjang-based sauce with a drizzling of creamy spider crab foam.

Naturally such a move invites the question: Is a dish like that too far removed from the classical foundations of bibimbap?

That seems to be the timeless question that the arena of haute cuisine often faces, where chefs use the foundation of classic cuisine to vault themselves to new artistic and conceptual heights.

Never mind the answer, what matters is that Dale-Roberts’ dish invited one to consider the creative possibilities that arise when bibimbap is used as a springboard for innovation.

If Dale-Roberts’ cooking class showcased an established top chef’s take on hansik, then the food festival’s Young Creative Korean Culinary Competition’s Team Haute Cuisine Challenge showed what happens when six teams of highly talented young Korean chefs use traditional Korean cuisine as the backbone and heart of their own creations.

On Oct. 30, six teams competed for the top prize: an apprenticeship at one of three-Michelin star chef Pierre Gagnaire’s restaurants or at former French Laundry chef de cuisine Corey Lee’s new restaurant. Four Korean judges and high profile chefs Gagnaire, Lee, Dale-Roberts and Massimo Bottura selected the winning team.

“I thought it was brilliant,” said Dale-Roberts.

“Some dishes were very well-executed,” said Corey Lee. “It’s really exciting to have young chefs doing something new.”

The winning team, Star Chef, presented a series of artfully plated dishes that stayed true to its Korean roots but also incorporated some global culinary influences. Chutney and ratatouille made their way into a menu that featured cold ginseng chicken soup, stuffed red snapper and black-eyed tofu.

Dale-Roberts said he enjoyed the winning team’s slow-cooked oxtail with tteok and buchu (Korean leek) salad.

“I loved the makgeolli and pear ice cream,” he also praised the winning team’s dessert.

When asked how he felt about having such famous chefs judge his team’s dishes, team Star Chef supervisor Lee Hong-chul captured the whole spirit of the competition and of the event itself.

“It’s fun.”

Amazing Korean Table was jointly sponsored by the Seoul Metropolitan Government and the Ministry for Food, Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries and was organized by the Seoul Tourism Organization. The event ran from Oct. 28 to Nov. 1 and was held at various venues including the Korea House and Lotte Hotel Seoul.

The festival featured a slow food symposium, a culinary competition, cooking classes, a street buffet and the hansik-inspired creations of world-class chefs Pierre Gagnaire, Massimo Bottura, Corey Lee and Luke Dale-Roberts.

(oh_jean@heraldm.com)

By Jean Oh

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KOREA HERALD

Adventure zone, Lotte World

This is the 51st in a series of articles highlighting tourism spots in Seoul. The guide for planning weekend trips in the capital city will help readers rediscover Seoul. - Ed. By Yoon Kyu-sik

When they think of amusement parks, people usually imagine fun and exciting childhood memories. However, theme parks are not just for children. They are also fun places for the parents who bring their children and for young couples out on a date. Jamsil Lotte World in Seoul is one such place.

A city within a city

Lotte World comprises all types of facilities, including a theme park, museum, sports facilities, a hotel and shopping complex. The world’s largest indoor theme park, Lotte World Adventure opened there in 1989. Lotte World is located next to Jamsil Station on subway line Nos. 2 and 8 and many bus routes are available.

Lotte World Adventure has buildings and streets that resemble those of the different parts of the world under a European-style glass dome that offers natural lighting. And it offers fantastic game facilities, character shops and other facilities. Moreover, more than 70 diverse concerts and special events such as the masquerade festival, samba festival, Halloween party and Christmas party take place each season.

Magic Island is located in the Seokchon Lake and features cutting edge rides - such as the Atlantis, Gyro Drop and Gyro Swing - around its central landmark, the Magic Castle. The creative designs of the buildings and landscaping make this an ideal place to take pictures.

Lotte World’s folklore museum was set up to tell people about Korean history and culture. Thanks to the new exhibitions and productions, you can embark on a tour of history in a way that is easy and fun. Thus, it is very popular among Koreans and foreigners alike.

The complex also has sports facilities at the Lotte World complex, including an indoor ice rink, 10-pin bowling and a shooting range. These are complimented by department stores, discount stores, duty free shops and other shopping areas, in addition to a tourist hotel.

The new leisure culture

Lotte World is celebrating its 20th anniversary this year and continues to be one of Korea’s leading tourist attractions. Regardless of the weather, visitors can use the facility any time of the year. The facility is immensely popular with tourists, with 10 percent of visitors coming from abroad.

Moreover, Lotte World provides a new way of enjoying your leisure time - visitors can enjoy shopping, culture and leisure at one place.

Starting with Lotte World - “a city within a city” - the mall culture in Korea has since expanded to Samseong-dong’s COEX Mall.

Nighttime leisure culture

Lotte World, in consideration of the busy lives of the people today, extended its opening hours until 11 p.m. Admission is also cheaper in the evening. Lotte World has its own nighttime entertainment culture, offering nighttime parades, a laser show and other concerts and events.

Moreover, Lotte World continues to mirror famous festivals around the world, giving visitors a taste of different exotic cultures. Oktoberfest from Germany, Samba Festival from Brazil and masquerade festival from Venice and other elegant and exciting festivals are showcased in the form of a large parade, musical shows and diverse concerts to suit the concept of the theme park. Moreover, it is possible to get exposed to the traditional food and character festivals related to the festivals as well.

World’s largest indoor theme park

The “Kiddie Zone,” developed at Lotte World Adventure to provide even better family entertainment, opened the Lotty Train in March. Other additional entertainment for families with children includes the Crystal Hub, comprised of the entertainment facilities such as “Swing Bang Bang” and “Magic Car Boong Boong” in May.

The “Kiddie Zone” will install 12 entertainment facilities in six zones by 2011: the Fun House, the Dragon Hill, the Fountain of Wisdom, the Secret Garden and the Festival Plaza following the Crystal Hub.

Interview

Victor Rhazitouov (55) — Grandfather, Russian

Tatiana Rhazitouov (50) — Grandmother

Danil Osuniu (8) — Grandson

Danil came to Korea on vacation with his grandfather and grandmother and visited the Lotte World for the weekend. Danil, who lives in Vladivostok, Russia, said that he is having a great time.

* Do you like the Lotte World?

Danil: It is very fun and entertaining. This is the best place I have been to. I would like to come back.

* What was most entertaining?

Danil: The rides were fun and the animal dolls are cute.

* How did you end up coming to Lotte World?

Grandfather: We are staying at a hotel in the downtown area. We found out about Lotte World when we were looking for a place to visit with our grandchild. This place is more interesting than what we expected.

* Do you have inconvenience because you are a foreigner?

Grandfather: No. Everything is comfortable since the employees are very kind.

Large Christmas Festival

The magic of Christmas

Lotte World will be organizing its Large Christmas Festival, a winter festival from Nov. 6 (Friday) to Dec. 27 (Sunday) to commemorate its 20 year history.

Tens of thousands of elegant lights will illuminate different parts of the park and Christmas ornaments will decorate the indoor and outdoor areas. As such, visitors can feel the happy ambience of Christmas throughout the festival.

When the visitors step into the Adventure, they will see 30-meter ornaments hanging from the ceiling of the dome. Large Christmas tree ornaments will grab the attention of the visitors. The laser hole located at the center of the Adventure will be decorated in Christmas colors — red gold and silver — and a power strobe will be installed. The Magic Island will also be part of the festival. It will become a beautiful photo zone by decorating the areas near the Magic Castle with ornaments and lighting.

All types of concerts and events such as parade and musical show

Along with the beautiful ornaments, diverse Christmas events and concerts are organized every day at the Lotte World.

◇ Happy Christmas Parade

Happy Christmas parade, in which all the characters of the Santa Town participate, is comprised of 15 floats and 100 actors.

During the concert, 50 special snow machines are installed at the upper part of the Adventure’s dome — highlighting the advantages of having an indoor theme park and the entire area will enjoy a white Christmas. The nighttime parade will create an even more beautiful scene as the special lights on the actors’ clothes and the firecrackers that go off in different parts of the Adventure make a fantastic spectacle.

◇ Cinderella’s Christmas party

The story of Cinderella has been reworked around a Christmas theme to produce a play that features dancing, songs, acrobatics and a magic show.

In the scene of the wedding of Cinderella and the prince, children in the audience who are dressed up as princes or princesses will be invited to participate. If you wish to participate you can apply on the Lotte World website (www.lotteworld.com).

◇ Ice rink band show

A “Santa band” comprised of 40 women will play Christmas songs, while performing a choreographed skating routine. The group will form large shapes such as socks, hearts and diamonds, while Lotty and Lorie, the Lotte World mascots act playfully while wearing Santa outfits and skating.

In addition, cute character shows, the “Christmas Carol Party of the Bang Bang Band,” “Special Dance Concert” and “Special Concert with Christmas Toy” will be organized.

“We are Getting Married”

Lotte World is organizing a Christmas special event, “We are Getting Married.” This event, when the couples, family members and friends can declare their love for each other in a romantic atmosphere, will present unforgettable Christmas gifts to customers selected for their stories during the Lotte World concert.

You can apply by submitting your story on the Lotte World website. Anyone who wishes to declare their love and show appreciation for the family members and friends or to commemorate birthdays and special days, is granted the opportunity.

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JoongAng Daily

Visitors walk around Mondrian Garden in West Seoul Lake Park in the southwestern part of the city. On the left is the Media Wall Stream, which features digital art displayed on a light-emitting diode (LED) screen. [YONHAP]

Forget flowers. At West Seoul Lake Park, fountains, ponds and even digital art behind a cascade of water steal the show.

The new outdoor park, which opened to the public last week, heavily incorporates water to draw visitors, integrating creeks, shallow pools, waterfalls and a huge, man-made lake with the local landscape and environment.

	Mondrian Garden was built on deposition tanks, and some of the old water purification facility’s walls remain. [NEWSIS]

The result? A visually engaging ecological beauty with a peaceful atmosphere, where still ponds bring a sense of serenity and gently flowing water bring some life to the scene. And for those who still want their flowers, you can see plenty of them here, too.

Like Seonyudo Park on the Han River, West Seoul Lake Park was built on the site of an old water purification facility. Covering 225,368 square meters (55.7 acres), the 21 billion won ($18 million) park in Sinwol-dong, Yangcheon District includes a large lake and a sunken garden built on deposition tanks. Some of the walls, columns and overpasses of the old water purification facility still stand, adding a unique element to the park.

This is the first time in 50 years that the area has been open to the public, as the original purification facility was built in 1959. After the plant closed in October 2003, the Seoul city government hoped to convert the facility so it could be used for another purpose. But it quickly became clear that the plant was too old and its capacity too small for any other viable use, so officials concluded that the place was not worthy of renovation.

Instead, they decided to turn the site into a park, something that southwestern Seoul sorely lacks. It’s been a big hit so far, attracting thousands of visitors daily since opening its doors.

Upon entering the park, visitors are greeted by a large man-made lake, which was part of the original water facility. Aquatic plants line the edge of the water to make it look more natural. But this isn’t just any lake, for it contains a fountain that automatically activates when the noise level exceeds 81 decibels. The sound of the water shooting from the fountain helps offset the noise of airplanes flying overhead, a common occurrence because of the location near Gimpo International Airport. Visitors can take a leisurely stroll on a path that circles the lake or sit down and relax on one of the large wooden decks shaped like oversized stairs that look out onto the water.

The park’s biggest attraction, however, is Mondrian Garden. The garden is named after Dutch painter Piet Mondrian, as its rectangular flower beds and ponds resemble those found in the artist’s works. Many people choose to walk on the overpasses and look down on the flower beds and ponds below. Exposed concrete walls and rusted steel walls and pillars are reminders of the site’s previous life, but they fit in perfectly with the solemn atmosphere.

“I tried to preserve the facility’s historical meaning and revive the ecology of the place as much as possible,” said David Choi, a professor at Yeungnam University, who designed the park.

Another unique attraction is the pond made with transparent materials that lies on the same level as the overpasses. Underneath there are some benches, where visitors can sit and look above them to see the pond - and lotus plants growing in it - from the bottom.

At the Media Wall Stream, visitors can check out digital art on large light-emitting diode (LED) screens located behind a wall of cascading water and set to music.

The park is somewhat small, particularly when compared to others in Seoul. That has caught some visitors by surprise.

“It still feels a little empty,” said a Bucheon resident who identified himself only by his last name, Shin. “It will take time before the nature fully takes over this place.”

	Top: Children sit at the “100 Person Table,” which is made of red blocks. above: A woman walks by the Media Wall Stream. [NEWSIS]

But Baek Jong-nam, who lives in Sinwol-dong, said it’s a step in the right direction.

“It is not a huge place but it is well designed,” said Baek, who recently visited the park with his wife and child for the second time since it opened. “There are few parks like this in Yangcheon District.”

Children likely won’t think twice about its size. The park features a jungle gym made of see-through plastic cubes stacked on top of each other with slides inside. There’s also a “100 Person Table” made up of large rectangular blocs arranged to resemble (what else?) a giant table and chairs.

To reach the park, go to Hwagok Station on line No. 5, exit 7. Transfer to bus No. 652, 6625 or 6627. By car, take the Gyeongin (Gyeonggi-Incheon) Highway and exit at Sinwol Interchange. Parking costs 1,000 won per hour or 3,000 won for an entire day. For more information, call the park’s management office at (02) 2604-3004.

By Limb Jae-un [jbiz91@joongang.co.kr]

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