Stream Classics to Latest K-Movies & Shows at OnDemandKorea

[HanCinema Korea's Diary] Pizza in Korea

If I was on death row and had to choose my final meal, pizza would definitely be up there. Pizza is loved around the world and what better way for a nation to show its appreciation than though interpretation. Pizza in Korea ranges from the more traditional, the strangely delightful, and the just plain weird.

Firstly, let take about restaurant chains. In Korea there are a number of pizza restaurants, some offer a great place to sit and enjoy your meal, while others are strictly take out. In Korea you can choose between Pizza Hut, Mister Pizza, Papa Johns, Pizza School, Pizza Etang, Dominos Pizza, Bins, Im Shil Pizza, and countless smaller chains and individual stales. Of course quality comes into it but, as with most things, you get what you paid for.

Pizza School offers 5,000won ($4.39) pizza and is as widespread as they are popular. For this price you really can't complain too much and their stalls can be found almost everywhere. I've seen them on busy intersections as well as down dingy side streets and alleys. While there can't compete with bigger chains in terms of quality, they sure will give them a run for value.

On the other end of the scale is Papa Johns. Here the average pizza ranges from $12.73 (for you basic margarita or "cheesy pizza") to $22,83 (with all the toppings and then some). Deliciously fresh and tasty to boot, Papa's Johns is probably my favourite place to grab a pizza when my budget allows.

I would say that Pizza Hut and Mister Pizza are probably the most popular here in Korea. Both restaurants are reasonably priced and are generally of good quality. In addition, their sit-in restaurants are family orientated and have good service. There is usually a salad bar as well for those attempting to neutralise their indulgences through veggies and fruit.

Advertisement

Now I can't speak for everyone here but when I go grab I pizza I generally get selfish and order my own. As with most Korean dishes, sharing is the name of game. Couples, families and students will all congregant at a pizza place and enjoy this western dish the Korean way. One pizza between five people? Now my maths is great but even I don't need to have mastered long division to know that my share will be minimal. But that's not why a lot of Koreans share their cheesy goodness; it has more to do with the social aspect of it all.

Don't feel like putting your selfish self in that awkward sharing dilemma? No problem, almost all pizza chains have an army of young students with a fleet of scooters at their disposal. Place your first call with your address and your set for the foreseeable future. Pizza Etang appears more like a gang that a group of delivery boys. A group of around five can be seen outside, and you are not sure whether to take the risk and place an order or avoid making eye contact and walk on by. Getting pizza delivered is always convenient and for those days where dinner plans fail you, who else are you going to call (besides MacDonald's delivery, oh Korea what have you done!)?

Okay, so when I arrived in Korea for the first time and my stomach wasn't feeling ready for an adventure yet. Playing it safe I thought you can't go wrong with basic pizza right? I walked in to small pizza place and gazed and the array of pictures. What is a "Bulgogi" pizza, do I really want shrimp on my pizza, and what would crab taste like with cheese bedding? These were some of things going through my head at the time. I decided none of the above where making my month drool, so one cheesy pizza it was. It was, surprisingly, not bad, but I couldn't figure out why they, and a lot of other Korean pizza places, insisted on putting corn all over it. Well, I thought, if that as bad as it gets then I guess I live with it.

Top Korean Pizza chains:

Pizza Hut: http://www.pizzahut.co.kr Tel: 1588-5588

Mister Pizza: http://www.mrpizza.co.kr Tel: 1577-0077

Papa Johns: http://www.pji.co.kr Tel: 1577-8080

Pizza Etang: http://www.pizzaetang.com Tel: 1688-3651

Dominos Pizza: http://www.dominos.co.kr Tel: 1577-3082

-Christopher J. Wheeler

❎ Try Ad-free