(One of) The Most Delicious Foods with One of the Most Off-Putting Names: SPICY PIG's FEET ​ ​제가 ​가장 ​즐기는 한식​​: 매운족발​!​

Hello Steemians! I've been doing way too many serious posts on generational issues and big broad cultural problems that it's starting to make my own head spin. On top of all that, I'm trying to regain balance after packed 14-hour direct plane ride to Korea. So in the haze of my jet-laggedness, I thought I'd present to you one of the main reasons I love visiting Korea...besides family and loved ones and my impassioned work and all that... ;)
​안녕하세요 스팀잇 가족분! 저희 어머니의 땅 한국에 오랜만에 방문했습니다. 시차적응을 하며 슬슬 맛집들을 찾아다니고 있습니다. 그 중 제가 항상 한국에 오면 제일 먼저 가는 족발집에 대해 써보았습니다.​

To Munch on Pig's Feet

I know I know, sounds like a meal taken from an Anthony Hopkins' movie. But do take my word, it is one of the most savory meals available in Korea. For anyone that has spent any time in German-speaking countries, its very similar in preparation to pork knuckle or Schweinshaxe.
​돼지 족발을 외국인 친구들과 먹으러 갔는데 어렵고 혐오스려워하는 친구들도 보았습니다. 족발을 생소하게 생각하는 문화권도 있지만 독일권 나라에 가면 이 족발과 비슷한 고기를 먹는것을 보았습니다.

It is typically boiled for several hours in a blended sauce mixture. This tenderizes the pork unlike any other meat and is sliced into thin sections for easy chopstick use. The original recipe is usually very mild and has a smooth aromatic taste. My favorite variation however, is the spicy kind!

Koreans are no strangers to spice and the type of spicy “yangyum” (양
​념​) sauce is so unique to the country. It's a sweet and very spicy chili sauce made with a sugar and dried chili-pepper mixture. This variety of the dish is made with the areas closer to the bone joints rather than the leg meat since the sauce tends to soggy-out bigger pieces of pork. It is often accompanied by pan-fried rice cakes to balance out the spiciness and is served on a sizzling plate. The fumes alone will prompt a few coughs and tears even before the first bite.

My favorite place is ​리북집 (LeeBokJib). They have a few locations around Seoul and the one I typically frequent near Gangnam Station had to expand to accommodate all the patrons. I went last night on Thursday for dinner and by around 7:30pm, there was already a line waiting for one of the 50 or so tables. Other places are more renowned for their traditional style but the spicy version here is truly on-point.

​저는 족발을 매우 좋아하는데 미국에서는 족발집이 그렇게 맛나지 않습니다. ​게다가 한국처럼 매운 양념소스로 제공하는 곳도 많지 않아요.
​제가 한국에 오자마자 항상 가는 곳은 논현동 먹자골목에 있는 리북집 입니다. 지난 2년동안 즐겨찾고 있고, 매년 갈 때 마다 점점 커지고 있는 것 같습니다. 몇일 전 먹고 나오는 길에 보니 저녁 7:30 쯤​ 칠판에 대기 중인 번호가 50까지 있었습니다!

Describe Your Experience

If you EVER get the wondrous opportunity to try this at a restaurant or with Korean companions, here are some easy terms that'll blow the socks off unsuspecting Korean-speakers and are so unique to the experience of eating Korean cuisine.

​쫄깃쫄깃​– “Jjolgit jjolgit” roughly translates to 'chewy' when eating Korean food. It's similar to the way Italian pasta is termed 'al dente'. Usually used for fresh glass noodles and a few other cold dishes, it's a playful term that describes the freshness of something.

매워! - “Mehwuh” means 'hot' or 'spicy'. You'll definitely need to know this one.

Honestly, I don't understand the craze with Korean BBQ or Bibimbap when you could be chomping on porcine toes... :)

If you like today's post let me know! I'll be doing a bit more foodie-ing during the next few weeks and have a couple signature dishes in mind (grilled eel, live squid, street-food, etc.). I think I've built up another appetite while writing this all....

잘 먹겠습니다! 냠냠냠....

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