It’d been a little while since I’d been at the South Korean Ambassador’s Residence.

Like last time given the time of the year the weather was slightly overcast.

We arrived earlier than the given time. Walking up Gloucester Road. Past yet another cafe adorned in flowers shudders. Which quickly changed to the pleasing sight of Da Mario (always with a small queue outside).

Upon arrival at the residence we were greeted by embassy staff and then the new ambassador; Ambassador Enna Park.

The new ambassador had added more colour to the place from what I last remembered. Selected modern art from Korean artists now graced the walls in each room.

A few old faces, a few new. Mostly new though. We took a quick self-guided tour of all the art, before being ushered into the main room in anticipation of the Chuseok (추석) speeches. Chuseok (추석) being the main harvest festival in South Korea.

Notable mentions of the recent trade deal with South Korea. The first of many in advance of the dreaded B word. shudders

Remainder of the speeches were jovial enough with some light-hearted humour. Something much needed given the recent political machinations in the UK.

After which there was short rendition of Arirang (아리랑) (the most famous of all the Korean folk songs) on the Gayageum (가야금) (12 string instrument). Which we both enjoyed. There’s a certain elegance to the melody I must admit. Doesn’t really lose its charm no matter how many times you hear it.

Finally, we went towards the dining room for what was surely the most important part of Chuseok (추석) reception. The food. Given the light lunches we’d had in anticipation of the food this evening. Chopsticks were ready to gather the “harvest”.

Pajeon / 파전

Just to give you a bit of a heads-up vis a v rest of the food. So it was a buffet setting. With all the food being room temperature.

Reasonable enough. I expected the dough to be heavier which is usually the case with the supermarket versions. But it was decent.

Daehan Minguk / 대한민국

Plate with the official motto of South Korea. Daehan Minguk (대한민국). Meaning the Republic of Korea.

Gujeolpan / 구절판

Hello my old friend. Last time I had a proper version of this was at Kaya in Mayfair. Where they used to specialise in food from the Joseon Dynasty (Royal Court). It is usually accompanied by a small pancake. So, you take the julienned strips of vegetable; and drop them in your mouth.

Whereas this was a carb free version, so we got to enjoy the julienned strips without the pancake.

Mandu / 만두

Managed to get the non-pork versions. It’s the small wins that count. Heavy on the filling which is another positive.

Gimbap / 김밥

Carb heaven.

Bulgogi / 불고기

Reasonable enough.

Korean Fried Chicken / 치킨

Another favourite. But the batter really gives your teeth a good workout. Once you get past that it was.

Japchae / 잡채

Not quite my mortal enemy. But just doesn’t do anything for me to be honest. Looked delicious though.

Moving on to the desserts. In a separate room.

Sikhye / 식혜

One of us had to taste test this to make sure it wasn’t soju. Given it was served in unlabelled jugs. After I was given the go ahead, the all clear I pour myself a large glass. Sweet sikhye. A few pine nuts (as per tradition) would’ve been ideal.

Sirutteok / 시루떡

First of the variety of tteok (떡)(Korean rice cakes. Like mochi.). With red bean. Too dry for me.

Hobak-tteok / 호박떡

This version was with pumpkin. Equally dry.

Ggul tteok / 꿀떡

My highlight from the evening. Forgot to count the number of these I popped in my mouth. It’s like an elevated boba (from bubble tea). As soon as you reach the inner core of the ggul; drops of liquid honey drop out. Like a sweet sweet rain drop. But with honey.

As you can tell it was more than a pleasant evening. With a generous and abundant harvest of food.

Time to get ready for hibernation.