My experience is mostly Gyeongsangnam-do; coastal, so lots of seafood (including http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Urechis_unicinctus) but I’ve been over there for a few months and not starved (and am regarded as a fussy eater). I have never eaten dog but been told it’s not that nice. There are ‘western’ restaurants in the cities (Ulsan/Pusan) if you really must.
Where abouts in Gyeongsangnam-do? I’m currently living in Meongji Ocean City, but I work in Gyeongsangnam-do.
I love the food over here, there is so much to try. I liked Kimchee when I first tried it, but the thought of it fermenting in a bottle buried in the ground has put me off somewhat.
Obvious choices are the Korean BBQ and Bulgogi restaurants as mentioned above. There are large numbers of seafood restaurants which have live fish, squid, octopus and other creatures in tanks in the front street. You pick your food and they cook it for you (or not if you prefer it raw).
I am trying to experience all the different types while over here. There is a 50% restaurant (well that’s what the English call it) where a stew with seafood and vegetables is cooked at your table. The spice intensity ranges from 30%, 40%, 50% all the way up to 100%. 50% is hot enough!
I’ve also been to a ribs and cheese place. Food is cooked at the table on a skillet and consists of a tray full of mixed cheese and very spicy ribs. Tasty but very messy!
My favorite is ‘road-kill’ soup. Its is a pigs backbone stewed with cabbage, tofu and chilli and one whole potato. The place we go to has a pot this size of a cauldron and you get a hearty bowl full and a side bowl of sticky rice.
One thing that is a culture shock is the supermarkets. It takes me nearly an hour to fill a single basket as its all in Korean and I don’t have a clue what I’m buying sometimes! That said, the price of meat at a supermarket is relatively expensive, so it is often cheaper to eat out.