By Honorary Reporter Robbie Lewis Martin from UK
Photos = Robbie Lewis Martin

I visited London for 3 days in early October to explore all it has to offer when it comes to Korean culture. The range of opportunities exceeded my expectations and the following are among the favorite places I visited.

Korean Culture Centre
There's no better place to learn about Korean culture than the Korean Cultural Centre (KCC) in London thanks to events like year-round film nights and monthly literature events. It also holds exhibitions of Korean visual and performing arts and supports the hosting of festivals, language and culture courses, and other activities promoting Korean culture.

Korean Culture Centre in London

Koreatown
A 30-minute train ride from the center of London takes one to New Malden in the Kingston borough of South London. New Malden is the only official Koreatown in England, with the largest community of Korean expats in the U.K. and many Korean restaurants and grocery stores, Korean-language schools and churches, and even noraebang (karaoke rooms).

This area also hosts the annual Kingston Korea Festival comprising the Harvest Fest in September and the K-pop UK National Competition and Kimjang Festival in November.

Korean restaurants
London has an extensive range of restaurants offering Korean food. Try street food like Korean-style corndogs, tteokbokki (spicy rice cake) and gimbap (seaweed rice rolls) at Bunsik, traditional dishes such as bibimbap (rice topped with vegetables, beef and chili pepper paste) and stews at Lime Orange or Imone, Korean-inspired European fine dining at the Michelin-starred Sollip, Korean fried chicken at Wing Wing or On the Bab, barbecue at Jumak 39 or Yori and bingsu (shaved ice dessert) at Bingsoo Cafe.

My personal recommendations are Bunsik for a quick snack, Imone for home-cooked dishes, and Sollip for something innovative and refined.

Korean foods available in London

Museums and galleries featuring Korean art and relics

Korean art and exhibitions

The Korea Foundation Gallery at the British Museum was opened in 2000 as a permanent exhibition of Korean history, art and culture including objects dating as far back as A.D. 300 as well as modern pieces. Among the works displayed there, a beautiful replica of a sarangbang (scholar's study) is my favorite as I am a fan of Korean architecture. Admission to the museum is free and so is the online tour.

The Victoria and Albert Museum through June next year is running the exhibition "Hallyu! The Korean Wave" showcasing the dynamic pop culture of Korea. Admission is GBP 20 on a reservation-only basis.

One of my favorite art galleries in London, Han Collection specializes in Korean crafts and antiques, hosts exhibitions and participates in art fairs around the city. Its online store sells a range of ceramics, tableware and lacquerware.

Quite a few Korean-themed exhibitions are held at independent galleries across London every year. Check this website for a list of exhibitions: www.londonkoreanlinks.net/events/upcoming-events.

Korean War Memorial
Located in Victoria Embankment Gardens, the Korean War Memorial honors British troops who fought in the Korean War, with over 1,000 dying in the conflict. Opened in 2014, the memorial was sponsored by the Korean government, companies and expats in Britain.

Korean War Memorial

Foyles Bookshop

This store on Charing Cross Road has many books in Korean, works on Korea and novels by Korean authors. It also holds annual events to mark Korea Culture Month every October with the KCC featuring performing arts and cultural workshops.

Foyles Bookshop

Shopping for Korean products

Sokollab is a store selling Korean beauty and K-pop products like cosmetics, books, music, stationary and merchandise.

Be-oom
Located in Farringdon near Exmouth Market, Be-oom Tea Shop and Garden is London's first Korean teahouse. Its name means "to empty" as in emptying one's mind to relax and be mindful. The venue's interior is simple yet beautiful and ambient music playing in the background creates a tranquil and relaxing atmosphere for enjoying a wide range of tea.

Be-oom Tea Shop and Garden

kalhong617@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.