Where to Report Illegal Beauty/Medical Brokers in Korea

Several months ago, I blogged about beauty tourism and where 'beauty tourists' can go to seek help with regards to getting medical and cosmetic procedures in Korea.

Traveling to Korea for Cosmetic/Medical Purposes? Introducing Medical Korea Information Center - Your One-Stop Help Center

One major service the MKIC offers is the provision of consultation services on reporting illegal brokers.

With the proliferation of plastic surgery clinics and hospitals all over Korea, there has also been a rise of illegal beauty brokers. These brokers steer foreign clients and customers to shady doctors with questionable practices. Worst comes to worse, these unfortunate victims get undesired results like this unfortunate woman.

For those who want to find out information on illegal brokers and related issues, the Korean information center has a comprehensive list of these brokers. The center also provides a haven where tourists and residents  can report illegal brokers and get rewarded for  providing information on these scrupulous brokers.

Linus 'Bama BBQ Invades Itaewon's HBC Neighborhood, and what an invasion!

Address: 37-5 Yongsandong 2(i)-ga, Yongsan-gu, Seoul

Good news to American-style barbecue lovers, carnivores and foodies in Korea, the father of Southern BBQ in Korea, Linus Kim, brings his mouth-watering Southern 'Bama-style barbeque to the Haebangchon district of Itaewon, Seoul. HBC, as it is fondly called by the locals, will be getting almost the same menu as the original Linus Barbecue joint on the Itaewon main drag (well somewhat along the main drag, the original Linus is right behind McDonald's, near the Noksapyeong subway entrance). The only difference is that all the platters will be getting a side of smoked chicken.

The new Linus place is located in HBC on the main road further up the hill before you reach Olde Knives. There's no sign yet outside but the building is also occupied by S'take

So there's the bar on the first floor, with stools facing the barkeep and some facing the street for some people-watching.  The drink menu is on point, with special mention of the Long Peach teas and the very tasty Mojitos. For the non-drinkers, the No-jito (non-alcoholic version of the latter) is quite tasty despite the lack of rum.

The very yummy Nojito.

For those who want to come and get down to the business of eating good meat, the second floor is where you want to be. The style is modern and minimalist, as if they want you to mainly focus on the food (and you should). Good ol' country music blasts on the muzak. There's long benches and tables, not so comfy for those wanting cushioned seating. But once the platters of mouth-watering bbq hit the table, you wouldn't care.

Now let's get down to business. This is the menu.

Like what I mentioned before, the difference with the menu here in the HBC branch is that the platters all come with the tasty smoked chicken. Also, they have one of the juiciest sausages I have ever had in my mouth (wink-wink) called Hot Guts. To eat these tasty spicy bad boys, you need to stuff one between your buns, slather with white sauce (oh the sexual puns I can add to this) and top with the raw red onion slices that you uncover under the Hot Guts. To quote a NatGeo food host - "That is one of the tastiest things I ever had in my mouth for a very long time."

Even vegetarians are welcome here. But seriously, why???

I've made you wait for this so here are the food porn pics. Enjoy!

The Brisket Platter

The Pulled Pork Platter

The chicken was somewhat pink in the center but Linus assured us that it was thoroughly cooked. Believe me it was.

We tried out the other sides. Here we have the Deep-Fried Mac&Cheese balls, Deep Fried Pickles and Deep Fried Okra. Everything was delish and we had to order another round of these fingerlicking sides.

And here is the crazy company I keep.

Me with Jovita and Amanda

Amanda and crazy Jen (she turns to James when the sun goes down)

With new besties, Megan and Lauren. Oh that's my youngest on the far right.

And with the main man himself, Linus. If you ever in Itaewon or HBC and you have a riproaring hunger to take care of, you should def see him for GREAT barbecue. Tell him I sent you. 

On the 7th day, God said "Let the meat rest..."

*Food pics shameless stolen from the crazy company who invaded the Linus HBC joint with me. Thanks Megan, Jovita, Jennifer, Amanda and Lauren!