Andrea Gonzalez

FSM 2065

Professor Buckley

10/14/2019

Foods Around the World Article Review

The Republic of South Korea, along with its neighbor and enemy, North Korea form the

Korean Peninsula. The Korean Peninsula extends from the northeastern border of China into the

ocean parallel to Japan, which made the perfect conditions for cultural exchange and culinary

influence from the two nations to take place. The country is surrounded by the Yellow and East

China sea, as well as the Sea of Japan, which provides the country not only with a very big

variety of seafood, but also with the necessary moisture and conditions to enrich the fertile soils

needed to grow rice, grains, and vegetables. For centuries Koreans have taken advantage of the

influence of other nearby countries, as well as their location and weather conditions to shape

their food culture by eating products from both the land and the sea and incorporating spices and

seasonings to their dishes.

The South Korean population began the cultivation of grains like rice, soybean, red

beans, and vegetables thousands of years ago, making them essential ingredients in Korean

cuisine. The importance of rice and vegetables, as well as the importance of cooking methods

like stir-frying, steaming, and braising are some of the many similarities Korea shares with other

Asian countries.
 The way Koreans prepare and eat their dishes make for healthy eating. Koreans eat far

less meat than people in the rest of the world. They prefer chicken or seafood like tuna, king

crabs, octopus, and squid. They also enjoy a great variety of uncooked vegetables served in the

form of salads and pickles. Koreans also often enjoy very spicy foods as well as seasoned dishes

with the flavors of red pepper paste, green onion, soy sauce, bean paste, garlic, and ginger.

However, Korean Cuisine is not only about the flavor and the products you put on the

table, but also about understanding the proper etiquette when sitting down to enjoy your dish.

Table manners are a big part of Korean culture. Some proper eating etiquettes are when eating

out with a group, where you are seated is very important. Think about it as the way people are

ranked, such as in a work environment, family members, or their social status. The lowest

ranking person is to sit closest to the door, and you can sit down once the oldest or highest rank

has sat down. Once everyone is seated, you must wait until the oldest person has begun eating.

Before you begin to eat, you must announce that you will eat well, or Jalmeokgesseumnida. This

is a compliment to the chef and shows them gratitude. Lastly, don’t be afraid to eat a lot! This

shows the host that you have enjoyed their cooking.

In conclusion, understanding the Korean dining etiquette, as well as what has influenced

the local food and flavors helps understand why South Korea is becoming a major destination for

many food tourists. Korean Cuisine promotes the implementation of different cooking

techniques, balanced meals, a variety of products, bold and spicy flavors, and health-conscious

dishes bringing the attention of many food-oriented travelers to this small yet amazing country.
 References

03, Jan. “Tapping into a Hot Trend with Korean Cuisine.” Restaurant Hospitality, 4 Jan. 2018,

www.restaurant-hospitality.com/breakout-flavors/tapping-hot-trend-korean-cuisine.

14, MarthaSeptember, et al. “Korean Table Manners You Need to Know.” 90 Day Korean®, 5

Aug. 2019, www.90daykorean.com/korean-table-manners/.

“Korea.” Food in Every Country, www.foodbycountry.com/Kazakhstan-to-South-

Africa/Korea.html.