The rise in Seoul apartment prices has slowed due to the government’s tightened loan regulations. While transaction volumes have decreased and unsold listings are accumulating, large-sized apartments in Seoul are still setting record-high prices. Experts predict that demand from wealthy individuals, driven by the relative scarcity of large apartments, will further increase their popularity.According to the Monthly KB Housing Price Trends report by KB Real Estate on the 24th, the average sale price of large apartments in Seoul with a dedicated area exceeding 135㎡ was reported at 3.04661 billion KRW last month. This represents a 6% (172.13 million KRW) increase from October last year (2.87448 billion KRW). For the first time since KB began compiling this data in 2016, the average price has exceeded 3 billion KRW. The upward trend has continued for 16 consecutive months since June last year.This trend is also evident in the monthly apartment sale price index by area. Last month, the sale price index for large apartments in Seoul was 105.49, the highest since the statistics began in 2016. Compared to October of last year (100.84), it increased by 4.62%. In comparison, the price increases for other apartment categories during the same period were more moderate: 2.1% for medium-large apartments (102㎡ to 135㎡), 3% for medium apartments (85㎡ to 102㎡), 2.52% for small-medium apartments (60㎡ to 85㎡), and 1.4% for small apartments (under 60㎡).                                                   

Sindang-dong Tteokbokki Town is a vibrant and famous food alley located in the Jung-gu district of Seoul, South Korea. Renowned for its specialty, tteokbokki (spicy rice cakes), this culinary hotspot is a must-visit destination for food lovers seeking to experience authentic Korean street food in a lively and historic setting. Historical and Cultural Significance1. Origins : The area began to gain popularity in the 1970s when vendors started selling tteokbokki, a beloved Korean street food made of rice cakes cooked in a spicy gochujang (red chili paste) sauce. Over time, it evolved into a dedicated food alley known as Sindang-dong Tteokbokki Town.2. Cultural Impact : Tteokbokki is a staple of Korean street food culture, and Sindang-dong Tteokbokki Town has played a significant role in popularizing this dish. The area is frequented by locals and tourists alike, and it has become a cultural landmark in Seoul. Attractions and Features1. Variety of Tteokbokki : The restaurants in Sindang-dong Tteokbokki Town offer a wide range of tteokbokki variations. While the classic spicy version remains a favorite, visitors can also find unique twists on the dish, including cheese tteokbokki, seafood tteokbokki, and curry tteokbokki.2. Famous Restaurants : Several restaurants in the area are renowned for their tteokbokki, such as Mabongnim Halmeoni Tteokbokki, which is credited with starting the tteokbokki trend in the 1950s. These establishments often have long histories and are celebrated for their unique recipes and flavors. Dining Experience1. Interactive Cooking : Many restaurants in Sindang-dong Tteokbokki Town offer an interactive dining experience where customers can cook their tteokbokki at the table. This allows diners to customize their meal by adding various ingredients such as fish cakes, noodles, vegetables, and eggs.2. Side Dishes and Extras : In addition to tteokbokki, the restaurants serve a variety of complementary dishes like sundae (Korean blood sausage), twigim (Korean-style tempura), and odeng (fish cake skewers). These side dishes enhance the overall dining experience and provide a broader taste of Korean street food. Accessibility1. Location : Sindang-dong Tteokbokki Town is conveniently located near Sindang Station, accessible via Seoul Subway Line 2 and Line 6. The food alley is just a short walk from the station, making it easy to visit from various parts of Seoul. Tips for Visiting1. Best Time to Visit : The area is bustling throughout the day, but evenings are particularly lively. Visiting at night offers a vibrant atmosphere with many locals and tourists enjoying the food and socializing.   2. Try Multiple Restaurants : To get the full experience, try tteokbokki from different restaurants. Each place has its unique recipe and flavor, so sampling a variety can be very rewarding.3. Prepare for Spice : Tteokbokki is known for its spiciness, so be prepared for a bit of heat. Many restaurants offer varying levels of spice, so you can choose according to your preference.Sindang-dong Tteokbokki Town offers a unique culinary adventure that showcases the best of Korean street food culture. Whether you are a spice enthusiast or just curious about Korean cuisine, this food alley provides an authentic and unforgettable dining experience.

Bibimbap is one of the most well-known and beloved dishes in Korean cuisine. The name "bibimbap" literally means "mixed rice" in Korean, which perfectly describes the essence of the dish. Here’s a detailed look at what makes bibimbap so special:Ingredients1. Rice: The base of bibimbap is steamed white rice.2. Vegetables: A variety of seasoned vegetables, known as namul, are typically used. Common vegetables include julienned cucumber, zucchini, carrot, mushrooms, spinach, and bean sprouts.3. Protein: Bibimbap often includes a protein component such as sliced beef (bulgogi), a fried egg, or sometimes tofu for a vegetarian version.4. Gochujang: This is a spicy and sweet red chili paste that is a key ingredient, giving bibimbap its distinctive flavor.5. Sesame Oil: A small amount of sesame oil is usually drizzled on top for added flavor.6. Garnishes: Other garnishes may include sesame seeds and nori (seaweed strips).Preparation1. Rice: Cook the rice until it's fluffy.2. Vegetables: Each vegetable is usually cooked and seasoned separately. They can be sautéed or blanched and then seasoned with salt, sesame oil, and sometimes garlic.3. Protein: The beef is typically marinated and then grilled or pan-fried. If using an egg, it is often fried sunny-side up.4. Assembly: The rice is placed in a bowl, and the vegetables and protein are artfully arranged on top. A dollop of gochujang is added, and everything is mixed together just before eating.Varieties- Dolsot Bibimbap: This version is served in a hot stone bowl that makes the rice at the bottom crispy.- Jeonju Bibimbap: Named after the city of Jeonju, which is famous for its version of bibimbap, it often includes more elaborate ingredients and a specific way of seasoning.Cultural SignificanceBibimbap is not only a nutritious and balanced meal but also holds cultural significance. It is often served during festive occasions and can be customized to include a wide variety of ingredients, reflecting the diversity and adaptability of Korean cuisine. How to EatTo eat bibimbap, you mix all the ingredients thoroughly so that the flavors blend together. The combination of textures and flavors from the vegetables, protein, gochujang, and sesame oil makes for a harmonious and delicious meal.Overall, bibimbap is celebrated for its healthiness, versatility, and the balance of flavors and textures, making it a staple in Korean dining both at home and in restaurants.