By Honorary Reporter Paola Corpus from Mexico

Photo = Korea.net, Diego Miguel Lozano, Paola Corpus

The Hangang River running through Seoul is famous worldwide as the setting for numerous K-dramas popular around the globe, such as "Strong Woman Bong-soon," "The Bride of Habaek" and "Record Of Youth." The beautiful views the river offers leave no question as to why the Hangang frequently appears on the small screen.

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Koreans say ramyeon (instant noodles) tastes better if eaten in front of the river. This is because most get hungry after exercising by the river, and hunger can make nearly any food more delicious. Thus hundreds of people gather around the Hangang to eat noodles with kimchi and beer, an activity popular enough to make Koreans recommend this practice to expats and foreign visitors.

Eating by the Hangang River in Seoul is a favorite pastime for city residents and tourists. (Diego Miguel Lozano)

Many convenience stores around the river sell ramyeon as well as many other foods and side dishes. Such businesses also have equipment to prepare the noodles right there according to the following steps:

1. Open a package of ramyeon and put the noodles and the ingredients provided into the dish. Put the dish in the proper spot to have water poured into it.

2. Press the Start button. 

3. At that moment, water will pour into the dish and start boiling, so just stir with chopsticks and wait. The machine will also display cooking time, which usually takes three to four minutes.

Many convenience stores have equipment that people can use to prepare ramyeon. (Paola Corpus)

Outside the convenience stores are tables and chairs to sit and eat, but many opt to sit closer to the river for the view. And please pick up and throw trash away and put recyclable items in the proper bins, as Korea is also famous for its efficient recycling system and lower levels of litter.

I've had the opportunity to eat ramyeon by the river and can confirm that it tastes better when eaten there. There's something magical about this activity that I cannot describe in words. So see one of the most emblematic places of the Korean capital while munching on tasty Korean noodles.

enny0611@korea.kr

*This article is written by a Korea.net Honorary Reporter. Our group of Honorary Reporters are from all around the world, and they share with Korea.net their love and passion for all things Korean.