sauce or salt; 4) Sour, from grain vinegars, herbs and
certain fruits; 5) Bitter, from ginger, ginseng, berries,
seeds and certain vegetables and herbs; 6) Astringent,
from unripe persimmon; and 7) Nutty, from pine
nuts, chestnuts, walnuts, ginkgo nuts or sunflower,
pumpkin or sesame seeds.
The sea is an abundant resource, offering fish
of all shapes and sizes, squid, octopus, clams, crabs,
oysters, mussels, seaweed and kelp.
Noodle or one-dish meals such as bibimbap
(steamed rice with assorted vegetables) can be served
for lunch or special occasions. Stews such as jjigae
(braised dishes), jeongol (hot-pot dish served in broth
and traditionally cooked in a casserole on a fire at
the dining table) and kui (grilled dishes) are popular
side dishes. Bulgogi, made of thin strips of marinated,
grilled beef (sometimes chicken, pork or octopus is
substituted for beef and prepared in a spicy sauce
such as kochujang), is considered Korea’s signature
dish, as is pajon, a scallion pancake. Bap (steamed
rice) is usually presented as part of the main course,
often acting as a buffer for spicier dishes. After the
meal, tea or fruits are served.
Costco shoppers will find a plentiful supply of
basic items for a Korean meal in all warehouses, as
well as a vast array of foods from other lands. (See
www.costco.com’s warehouse locator for information
and location of all South Korea warehouses.)
Top South Korea Costco warehouse items are
meat, rice and flatfish sashimi. Other popular products
are mixed grains, frozen dumplings, Chinese cabbage,
ramen and kimchi. All vegetables are 100 percent
domestic. On the rise are fast and easily prepared
foods, as well as imported items such as seedless
grapes, oranges, pure fruit juices, olive oil, mixed
grains, clam chowder, spaghetti sauce, cheese,
chocolate and health foods. Not to be overlooked
are Costco’s own private label Kirkland Signature
items such as extra-fancy mixed nuts, walnuts,
meats and variety muffins. And of course you’ll
always find Costco’s famous hot dog and soda! AE
