Why is Gwangjang Market so popular with foreign tourists?

The first reason is simple. It¡¯s easy to find through Google, the same way Koreans effortlessly locate tourist destinations in the U.K. before they visit. I think the other reason is that foreign tourists are attracted to the variety of dishes sold at the market and its unique atmosphere created by the crowds and people selling and buying foods.

How did you become a content creator in Korea?

Completely by accident. I made a Korean friend while trying to learn Japanese online, then after visiting Korea during my summer break from university, I fell in love with the country. My YouTube channel was also by accident. While teaching English in Korea, I decided to make short video clips for my students, which became popular on YouTube and led to where I am today.

You¡¯re quite fluent in Korean. How did you learn it?

I studied for about six hours a day for a year and a half on my own and completely immersed myself in the language. I have no special knowhow. I naturally learned Korean by studying hard with interest.

Which piece of content on your channel is especially memorable to you?

About one and a half years after starting my YouTube channel, I decided to do a yearlong challenge in making and uploading at least one video every day for a year. That was hell. I slept about two hours every night and had no social life, but was able to communicate with my subscribers every day. Thinking of and producing content became one of my most valuable experiences.

What do you remember most among your subscribers¡¯ responses?

I did two series in which I flew my mom out to Korea and traveled around with her for two weeks, and the response from my audience was overwhelming. Many people commented that it made them feel like traveling with their own families more, and others even said it inspired them to take their own moms on holiday. This was really touching to hear.

What do you feel are the main features of Korean cuisine?

Korean food is very diverse and every dish has a deep history behind it. Gochujang (red chili paste) has the most notable flavor since it¡¯s used as a base in so many dishes, and features a flavor that simply doesn¡¯t exist anywhere else. Most Korean dishes are also usually shared with everyone who is eating, which gives the experience a more communal feeling that I like.

What Korean dishes would you recommend to foreigners?

I recommend delicious and familiar dishes to foreigners such as dakgalbi (spicy stir-fried chicken BBQ), samgyeopsal (grilled pork belly) and hanwoo (Korean beef). Dakgalbi sauce, despite being red, is not that spicy but I find it so delicious. I also recommend dwaeji gukbap (pork and rice soup) and milmyeon (wheat noodles) in Busan. You can eat gukbap (rice soup) anywhere in Korea, but dwaeji gukbap has a special story behind it. Born amid the chaos and frenzy of the Korean War, this dish has since created a strong following among gourmands. Milmyeon is also great. Foreigners may feel unfamiliar with cold noodles, but they¡¯re one of the best delicacies in Korea. If you like to try new things outside the norm, this is for you.

What cultural differences do you find between Korea and the U.K.?

Obviously there are tons of cultural differences between here and back home. For example, your age is hugely important in everyday life in Korea. You have to speak and treat people older differently than those who are your own age or younger. This isn¡¯t something we generally do in England, so it¡¯s a big difference. And there are tons of differences like this.

What do you feel is most important when introducing Korean traditions abroad?

While I think it¡¯s important to celebrate things that are traditional to Korea, I don¡¯t believe that they should be at the forefront of what is introduced to other countries about Korea. Korea often promotes its most traditional clothes, food and culture to the rest of the world, which while beautiful, do not represent what Korea is today. So a choice of more modern Korean clothes, food and culture, in my opinion, would do much better internationally.

What are your goals and plans?

I¡¯m trying to get into screenwriting and movie directing outside of YouTube, as those have always been dreams of mine. As for my channel, I do have plans but those remain a secret for now.

Lastly, what would you say to someone who wants to become a content creator?

There¡¯s no secret to success on YouTube and I think if you want to do it for money, you won¡¯t succeed. I made no money from it for two years. Don¡¯t get into it for the money or fame because those two things don¡¯t bring happiness. Get into it because you have a desire to make videos and influence the lives of others around the world. Upload consistently, watch YouTubers whom you like and try to learn from them, and love your videos. These are the best tips I can give. Make videos you love and you¡¯ll be a very happy creator.