Korean Job Discussion Forums

[Taya]

This will be my second year coming to Korea, but last time I didn't cook anything except the occasional scrambled eggs. This time I want to cook more often. Also, this time I will be living in Changwon instead of Seoul. I don't know if that would make a difference in the spices that I can find.

Anyway, I already have a bottle of vanilla extract because I know from experience that vanilla is difficult/impossible to find in Korea.

What other ingredients should I take with me?

[NYC_Gal]

Cardamon, and, if you like it, a good cajun spice. One without salt, if you can find it.

[Missihippi]

the only seasoning you'll ever need: http://www.tonychachere.com/

You can put it on your chicken, steak, potatoes, cereal, peanut butter and jelly sandwich... and even if you're having a bad day sprinkle a little in your toothpaste to get the day going right.

You're welcome.

[sarahsiobhan]

Cumin and dill.

[le-paul]

changwon does have/did have an asian mart (where you can get cooking spices like corriander and cumin), if not - you can go to gimhae that has at least 3.
I would bring paprika (chilli con carne is not the same without that)

its also almost impossible to find basil here. I brough seeds and grew my own last year. And I also grew rocket which I was very grateful for last summer with my emmental and parmesan shavings.

SEED!

[verve]

[NYC_Gal]

I've seen dried basil at about every shop. Fresh basil isn't as common, so I do second the seeds. If you need it for pesto, you can easily find pesto here.

I've found cumin at the foreign food market.

[Cedar]

If you are into things like french toast, bring some good nutmeg. I agree that cumin is findable, but if you will be far from a major city, I'd bring it anyway (after all it is light) I bring brewer's yeast (nutritional yeast) and that's about it, because honestly, cooking Korean food is the easiest thing to do here. I have Korean food at least two meals a day and I mostly eat at home.

[Carla]

[shifter2009]

[NYC_Gal]

[Caffeinated]

I found seeds for basil and rosemary at E-mart and Daiso.

[sojusucks]

Bring Hidden Valley Ranch dressing mix and Old Bay seasoning. I also use taco seasoning and that'll be much cheaper to bring with you than buy.

[Captain Corea]

lowrys seasoning salt

[le-paul]