World Foods and Etiquette

The Food

Korea can be seen from the Western world as odd. However, they have a very interesting food culture. Their main food is kimchi; kimchi is to Korea as rice is to Japan. Kimchi is spicy fermented cabbage that can be flavored with different flavors. Koreans also use garlic in almost every dish, being the world's top consumer. Other common foods found in Korea are seaweed, dried cuttlefish, and chili paste to add flavor.

 

Geography and Culture in Food

Korean farmers grow food wherever they can. They grow rice, beans and other vegetables in the valleys of mountains, and grow other wild herbs on the mountains. Koreans also do a lot of fishing. Korea’s food is also heartier than most of the surrounding countries’ dishes because Korea has a lot more farming. Farmers need to eat heartier food to have energy to work in the farms.

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Etiquette

Korean etiquette has a lot to do with seniority. No-one sits until the oldest person sits, everyone waits to eat until the oldest person raises their spoon or chopsticks, and it’s considered impolite to refuse a drink from someone older than the receiver.  

 

In America

In America, one might have heard of Korean BBQ. Most Americans have more Korean themed dishes rather than physical dishes. Other examples of Korean themed food are Korean fried rice and Korean BBQ tacos.