South Korean skin care products, makeup, cuisine and cooking ingredients are becoming increasingly easier to obtain. 

Those who are keen to try all things Korean, or maybe just Koreans who are missing a taste of home, may want to check out the guide below.

What to eat

Most know Samyang as the flaming-hot South Korean instant noodle that took over the internet last year as people took on a spicy challenge. The noodles are easily found at local supermarkets across Jakarta.

Read also: Jakpost guide to Pasar Modern BSD City

Meanwhile, head into most large malls across the capital city, and it won't be hard to find several South Korean fast food restaurant chains available.

Those in search of a more traditional culinary experience, however, would be better off heading to one of the many restaurants around the capital city that serves more upscale Korean food.

The area just south of Sudirman Central Business District (SCBD) in South Jakarta is home to a number restaurants providing authentic Korean cuisine.

A number of favorites located on Jl. Wolter Monginsidi include the familar Korean BBQ chain Bornga and also an independent favorite, Tobak. (JP/Wienda Parwitasari)

A number of favorites located on Jl. Wolter Monginsidi include the familiar Korean BBQ chain Bornga and also an independent favorite, Tobak. 

A standout in the vicinity, meanwhile, is Seorak Chueotang (Bumbu Satu), which is located on Jl. Senopati in South Jakarta.

The restaurant's interior is comfortable with plush seating, as well as Asian-style decor and indoor greenery. 

"Ppyeo Da Gui Hae Jang Guk," (pork bone soup) at Seorak Chueotang on Jl. Senopati. (JP/Wienda Parwitasari)   

Ppyeo Da Gui Hae Jang Guk, or pork bone soup, at Seorak Chueotang comes at Rp 95,000 (US$7). The serving is generous and the flavor is rich. The meat is well seasoned and cooked until tender, leaving a satisfying taste after each bite.  

What to buy

Those who prefer to eat in, or just want to try to cook Korean food at home, can go to several groceries stores located around Jakarta to stock up on ingredients.

Some of them include New Soul on Jl. Wijaya I and Hanil Mart on Jl. Kramat Pela, both in Kebayoran Baru. 

Other items to look for are cosmetics and skin care products.

The Korean beauty routine has been getting noticed more and more by international audiences, especially with its lavish 10-step routine. The sheet mask, one of the steps, has probably become one of the favorites, as it provides instantaneous results. 

Products to complete the routine are offered from many Korean beauty brands, ranging from the luxurious Sulwhasoo, which can be found in the Sogo department store in Plaza Senayan, South Jakarta.

Read also: Five premium Korean skincare products to try

In the more affordable range, there are Etude House and The Face Shop, both of which have an established and familiar presence in Jakarta. Branches of the brands can be found in many large shopping malls.

 

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Most recently, Korea's natural cosmetics brand, Innisfree, has also entered the Indonesian market with a store in Senayan City mall in South Jakarta. 

What to do

Inspired by Korean celebrities' hairdos, there is the Ando and Yun salon in Gandaria City shopping mall, which specializes in Korean-style haircuts and styling.

 

#haircut & #cushionsetting - double S ❗️❗️by mr.owen ✔️(@andoandyunkoreansalon - #gandariacity ) . . Gak perlu catok lg❗️❗️❗️ . First time in indo ❗️❗️❗️ . Different quality wave permanent ❗️❗️ . ❗️Original korea #cushionsetting can available only at @andoandyunkoreansalon ❗️ . It's not just 'perm ' or not 'digital perm'. . It's '#cushionsetting ' . Cushion setting is a natural looking and feminine hairstyle with a focus on bounciness, volume, framing the face in a flattering manner. Instead of setting the whole head, a Cushion Setting is known for big natural curls. . What people think of as the Korean Perm is usually achieved through techniques that result in a softer look the Korean Perm is more natural looking and feminine, whereas traditional perm techniques would result in curls that look stiff, hard and less ‘natural’, you’d never mistake those as natural curls or waves. . So Korean perm is really all about the technique, and the difference in chemicals and tools used and best of all, it doesn’t leave your hair dry or frizzy in the process . –  cushion setting C Often used at the hair ends, C curls curl inwards, creating a gentle, bob-like effect . –  cushion setting S (S , double S , triple S) There’s the soft or hard S – curls that are tight, or looser and more spread out. . -cushion setting Edge Natural Straight on the top of hair and you can choose Cushion C or Cushion S at the hair ends . . Just come to our Salon for a consultation. Typical setting time can take up to 3-4hours max, so be prepared to spend a little time with us!😄😄😄😄😄😄😄 #koreansalon#andoandyun#andoandyunkoreansalon#koreanwave#differentquality#coloring#hairmanicure#bangs#seethroughbangs#haircut#beautkorea#blowpermanent#koreawave#korealook#stylekorea #hairclinic #hairtreatment #andoandyun #andoandyunkoreanhairboutique #koreansalon #koreanstyle #koreanhair #beautykorea #jakarta #jakartahairstylist #haircut #cushionsetting #coloring #hairmagic #hairmanicure #nail #nailart #koreannail #andoandyunkoreansalon

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The salon applies special techniques and even conveys tips and tricks for clients to maintain their hair. 

Meanwhile, to learn more about all things Korean in general, you can visit the Korean Cultural Center Indonesia (KCCI), which is located in Equity Tower in SCBD.

It holds various events, including film screenings, Korean language classes, as well as a "K-Pop academy" for fans of the music genre to learn how to sing and dance like their favorite Korean pop stars. The center also has classes for traditional Korean dance and musical instruments. 

Tips

- In Korean cuisine, some dishes come in a set and in large portions, so make sure to ask how much food is reasonable to order.

- For skin care, it is recommended to get to know the benefits of each product in the 10-step beauty routine before investing in a whole set.

- Check out the website of the KCCI to see the schedule and for further information on classes and events.

(asw)