Han Il Kwan has been around for a long time and has a very loyal following. They're known for very good food and a relaxed, friendly atmosphere. They offer many barbecue items, plus lots of other Korean favorites. Go with friends if you can, so that you can order more things to try off the menu.

Every time you dine at the Korean restaurant Han Il Kwon, 20% of your bill will be donated to the KIP program. In order for the donation to take place, please bring this donation voucher with you to Han Il Kwon.

• My Tofu House, Inner Richmond: 4627 Geary Blvd., between 10th and 11th Avenues, 415.750.1818

The specialty at this restaurant is the Korean comfort food known as sundubu jigae, or tofu soup. There are many versions of the soup, with different kinds of meat, or vegetarian, and of course, varying levels of spicyness. They are all really good. After 1 or 2 visits here, you may find yourself become seriously addicted to this wonderful soup (served in superhot stone pots.) The jigae also comes with a pot of rice, barley tea, and a very nice, generous assortment of panchan to nibble on throughout the meal. Open for lunch and dinner. And conveniently located right next to Seoul Market.

Seoul Garden describes its food as in the style of food at a country inn. The food is fresh, the service good and the restaurant is child-friendly. Our source especially recommends the Sae woo Bokum (sauteed prawns and vegetables), Dak Gui (broiled, marinated chicken) and the Chadol baegi (broiled, sliced boneless beef).

• Shin Toe Bul Yi, Outer Sunset: 2001 Taraval Street at 30th Avenue, 415.566.9221
  

Shin Toe Bul Yi is in that great tradition of a "hole in the wall" that serves outstanding food in a no-frills environment. The menu is small and focused. They are famous for their Korean Fried Chicken, which literally everyone in the restaurant had ordered when we were there recently. While it's good, there are many other fantastic things to try on the menu, including Min-uh Mae-Oon-Tang, a spicy sea bass soup that you won't be able to stop eating. The food is delicious, the prices very reasonable, the portions large, and the space is tiny. Expect to wait for a seat. But once you're seated, you'll get efficient service and they won't rush you out. The casual environment is family friendly.

The Korea Society is an independent non-profit organization dedicated to further understanding about Korea, it's history and culture. The organization is based in New York City and sponsors many different lectures and events as part of its educational efforts.

If you visit their website (www.koreasociety.org) you will be able to download a number of resources, including podcasts of lectures about Korean Culture, history, politics and the arts, Korean folk tales and information about the history of Korean culture.

• Life in Korea website (www.lifeinkorea.com)

This website is a great source for information about many aspects of life in Korea. It covers topics of culture, food, language, history, tourism -- lots of things you may be curious about. It's a good source when you have a specific question you want answered (e.g what is the Choseon dynasty?), or when you're just interested in browsing to learn a little more.

• The Coldest Winter, by David Halbersytam

A non-fiction recounting of the Korean war, especially the first year, told by Pulitzer-prize winning journalist and historian David Halbertstam. The book was heavily researched, including interviews with many veterans of the Korean War. The book is very absorbing and brings a lot of understanding to what many veterans call The Forgotten War.

• A Corpse in the Koryo, by James Church

This murder mystery, set in North Korea, is written by a former Western Intelligence officer with decades of experience in Asia. The WEashington Post calls the novel "A crackling good mystery novel, filled with unusal characters involved ina complex plot that keeps you guessing to the end." People familiar with North Korea also credit it with being extremely realistic in its portrayal of the country and the times.

• Inside North Korea, by Mark Edward Harris
  

This is a coffe table book that will give you an inside view of the country unknown to the western world. Beautiful pictures, with commentary and short essays by noted author Bruce Cummings. Published by Chronicle Books.

• North Korea, by Phillipe Chancel

Another amazing picture book, from photographer Phillippe Chancel. Chancel is a gifted photographer and this book is full of stunning imagery. Published by Thames and Hudson.

Where Can I Buy Books?

Check out this website for lots of different types of content. First, link up to Seoul magazine, an English-language magazine that has lots of articles about things going on in Korea and contemporary Korean culture. This magazine is hip and has lots of interesting photography. Through the website (which is connected to Seoul Selection bookstore in Seoul, you can also buy English or English/Korean kids books, and lots of other English language books on cooking, culture, language, history etc. Check out their very nice selection of books and CDs to help you learn Korean. There's also a gift shop and a chat area.

• eBay Store - Korea and More: http://stores.shop.ebay.com/Korea-and-More

There aren't many places in San Francisco to find traditional Hanbok, especially beyond the 1st year baby's hanbok. Don't be afraid to try eBay. If you do a search for "Korean Hanbok" you will find a variety of sources. A realiable source for hanboks on eBay is "Korea and More". At this online retailer, you'll find a wide variety of products - boys and girls hanbok, even in larger pre-teen and teen-age sizes, hanbok accessories and shoes, Korean paper and gifts. Their service is very quick and reliable and the quality of their products is good. For many of their hanbok, they give specific size information (such as leg lengths for boys hanboks, to help you choose a size.) Prices are reasonable.