One of my favorite ways to explore everyday Korean life is through food shopping. A small neighborhood market may seem like an ordinary place to pick up groceries, but its shelves are full of opportunities to discover unfamiliar ingredients—and learn a little Korean along the way.

Today’s photo is a good example. These round packages of beans might catch your attention, especially if you have never seen them before. The large letters on the label reveal what they are: 청국장 (cheonggukjang), fermented soybeans commonly used to make a hearty Korean stew.