We all are in love with various aspects of Korea, and we all choose our personal favorites but the food is something we all found our common ground on, food is an important aspect of Korean culture. In Korea, food is commonly served in group meals, not as individual meals. Starting it off with a popular dish which is a staple of the whole nation, Rice. It is commonly served with many side dishes, mostly seasoned vegetables, soup, pot stew, and meat. A Korean traditional meal is not complete without kimchi.
Kimchi is a mixture of various pickled vegetables such as radish, green onion, Chinese Cabbage, and cucumber. Garlic is one of the major ingredients in Kimchi. In late November or early December, Korean families used to prepare enough Kimchi for the winter season. In older days, kimchi was stored in large clay jars partially buried to maintain temperature and retain flavor. Nowadays, it is stored in special ‘’kimchi-Refrigerators’’. Many electronic appliance companies make special kimchi refrigerators.
Aside from kimchi, doenjang (Soybean Paste), with its good medicinal properties, is now getting popular modern days. Doenjang is made at home by boiling yellow beans and drying them in the shade after that soaking them in salty water and fermenting them in sunlight. But these days, few houses make Doenjang at home as mostly, people buy readymade from the market.
SOME IMPORTANT KOREAN CUISINE
Saal-Bap (Steamed White Rice) – It is the most commonly consumed food in Korea. Often served with side dishes in Korea.
Juk (Porridge)- Juk is a Korean traditional food since ancient times. It acts as a good breakfast substitute.
Soup and Stew- Korean soups are called Tang, and are made by cooking various ingredients in a pot.
Noodles- Korea also has many types of noodles and the dishes are made with Noodles, notably Kal-guksu and naengmyeon.
Baan- Chaan (Side Dishes)- Many types of side dishes are served with meals in Korea. Rice and soup are served in separate bowls and Ban-Chains are served in several small dishes. As Korea has different vegetables across different regions thus, the side dishes also vary. Baan-Chains are considered an important part of regular meals.
Rice cake -On festivals, special occasions, major holidays, and birthdays, rice cakes are always everywhere in Korea. Made mainly from white rice flour, some other ingredients such as beans, red beans, jujubes, and some types of nuts are added to add a special taste.
Desserts- A tray with a cup of tea and cookies or Hangwa is called dagwasang and it is generally offered after the main meals. It is also served as a welcome snack for the Guest. The type of tea and cookies also varies with the season. Fruit is another major dessert of Koreans.
Traditional Drinks- Korean traditional drinks are made by fermenting many grains and ingredients. The fermenting process is important in liquor making. Fruits and herbs are also added sometimes to have different flavors and tastes. There are Makgeolli (traditional rice wine), Gwa- silju (Fruit Wine), and Soju (the most famous liquor).
Regional Food- From three sides Korea is surrounded by sea and 70% of the country’s area is mountainous. Climate and weather conditions vary between the regions and many types of natural flora and fauna are also present there. The change in the climate of Korea can be held responsible for Korea’s diversified food culture.
The Korean Dining Etiquettes.
When you are eating with elders and seniors, you are supposed to wait until they start to eat. Before every meal, Korean says ‘’Jal meok-keseumnida’’ which means ‘’ thank you for the food I will eat it well’’ apart from these the other etiquette is quite similar, not to eat with food in your mouth’’ you are not supposed to eat too fast and too slow, do not hold the bowl in your hands.
While using the chopsticks, you are not to put them on the table until you have finished eating your food and also not to stick the chopstick in the rice bowl as it shows that the food is being offered to a deceased person.
Standing up before senior or elder is considered bad etiquette even if you had finished eating. Complimenting the host for the food is considered good table manners.
Korea also has a popular drinking culture, while drinking with a group of people, that are near you, fill their glass if it is empty and when the other person offers you a drink, it is suggested to hold the glass with both hands, also while drinking, if senior or elder is in the same group then turning your head while drinking is mandated.
Summing up, this blog is a brief expression of Korean food culture to get the initial look on the food part of the country, there is depth and expansion to the food aspect of Korea as it is densely filled with various food items and etiquettes.
Written By: Kunzank D
Layout By: Kunzank D
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wish I could make them well. grabbing my Lemonilo Korean taste tonight.
Amazing~ looks very delicious!