[Miryang, Gyeongnam] Eat, eat and eat - only in Miryang

[Miryang, Gyeongnam] Eat, eat and eat - only in Miryang

One key reason why you should get out of the city life and venture south in Korea is because there are so many local tastes you just haven't tried yet.

And leaving the country for good without a glimpse of those scrumptious bites will just be a total nightmare.

Miryang is famous for green onion bulgogi, pork rice stew and grilled freshwater eel.  

<Pork rice stew originated from Miryang.>

▶ A warm, steamy bowl of pork rice stew

It's certainly not difficult to find a pork rice stew restaurant in Miryang, because everywhere you go, you're bound to find one. 

People usually think Busan is the home of the dish, when back in the 1950-53 Korean War, refugees used to cook pork in a hot stew during cold, winter days. But in Miryang, some popular restaurants date way before those tragic years.

The key reason why pork rice stew in Miryang is like no other, is that the beef, not pork, is brewed in hot water to make the soup; pork is then chopped to be added inside.

<Miryang Hongreung Bulgogi>

▶ Hongreung Bulgogi, a rich mix of marinated beef and green onions

 Bulgogi in Korea is anything but extraordinary; but that served in Miryang, specially called Hongreung Bulgogi, is surely far different from what you'll find in other places because beef here is cooked with green onions.

Although bulgogi is normally cooked with beef, customers in Miryang can usually choose pork, if they insist that particular meat instead.

After you receive the seasoned meat, just gently place sliced onions on top and mix all together on a grill. The flavorful onions are what make the meat more delectable. Just when you're about to finish your meal, don't forget to leave a few slices of meat so that you can combine rice at the very end for a final spoon - or bowl - of bokkeumbap, fried mixed rice.

<Miryang's best stamina food: Grilled freshwater eel.>

▶ Nothing to boost you up than a dish of grilled freshwater eel

Another dish you must try when visiting Miryang is grilled freshwater eel, which is rich in vitamin A and collagen, substances that add elasticity to your skin.

Crispy on the outside and tender on the inside, the menu item is low in fat and high in protein. If you've ever tasted greasy freshwater eel someplace else, think again because you're in Miryang, the best location to try the grilled food.

<If you're leaving Seoul for Miryang, it's fastest to take the KTX.>

▶ How to get to Miryang from Seoul

Riding the KTX is the speediest way to reach Miryang from Seoul. Starting from the Seoul Station to the Miryang Station, a KTX ride only takes 2.5 hours.

Fifteen to 20 rides from Seoul to Miryang are provided each day. For more information, call 1544-7788 or visit www.letskorail.com.