Korean cuisine originated from prehistoric traditions in the Korean peninsula evolving through a complex interaction of environmental, political, and cultural trends. For centuries, the Koreans have eaten the products of the sea, the field, and the mountain. Korean foods are very special, exotic, and particular. The most distinguishing feature of the Korean food is the spiciness.

Korean cuisine is largely based upon rice, vegetables, and meats. Traditional Korean meals are noted for the number of side dishes that accompany steam-cooked short-grain rice. Kimchi is served often, sometimes at every meal. Commonly used ingredients include sesame oil, doenjang (fermented bean paste), soy sauce, salt, garlic, ginger, pepper flakes and gochujang (fermented red chili paste).

"Kimchi" is the best known Korean food. It is vegetable dish, highly seasoned with pepper, garlic, etc. It is served with every kind of Korean meals and it stimulates the appetite like pickles. "Kimchi" contains amounts of good nutrition such as vitamin C, and fiber.

Vegetable dish is also popular in Korea. Korean traditionally eats more vegetables with rice in main meal than meats and the vegetable dishes are various in kinds and tastes. There are two kinds of which are "saengche", cold and raw "namool" and "saengche", warm and steamed "namool".

Koreans also like meat dishes. "Pulgoki" is generally called "Korean barbecue". It is marinated in a sause made with soy sauce, garlic, sugar, sesame oil, and other seasonings, and cooked over a fire in front of table.

Korean table settings are classified into the 3-"chop, the 5-"chop", the 7-"chop", 9-"chop", 12-"chop" setting according to the number of side dishes served except rice, soup, and "kimchi". Korean food is shared by diners in one table, except rice and soup. All the dishes but hot soups are set at one time on a low table at which diners sit to eat. Chopstick and spoons are used for eating. Different from Japanese and Chinese, Korean use thinner chopstick made by metal, not wood.

Generally, the Korean diet uses much grains and vegetables which add fiber and protein from both vegetables and meats. Korean food has moderate calories and low fat and sweet taste very healthy and well-balanced.

Korean Cuisine