Food in South Korea
Korean Dishes & History
This is a couple of Korean dishes the most Korean people have at their dinner table. A lot of the food are heavily influenced by South Korea's neighboring countries, China and Japan. Without the help of the famers who cultivated the food, who knows where the food would have came from. The use of chopstick that many Korean use today was influenced by China. It is was used as a way to reach into hot water or oil without using their hands. But where does the food originate from? Since Korea is on a peninsula, the climate is something that resembles the climate in the north region of the United States: cold winters, warm summers, and long and peasant autumns. "Rice, beans, and vegetables are grown in the valleys while in the mountains mushrooms and many wild plants such as bracken and bellflower are either collected or cultivated" (Kraig, Bruce. n.p). Depending on location, there are different foods that are produced that are able to create different dishes. This one of the reasons why Koreans have a variety of different dishes.
KimchiKimchi is a very popular dish in South Korea that many families would serve as a dish at the dinner table. During the three dynasty periods, South Korea was limited in what they could mix with the Kimchi everyone eats now. Before, the Kimchi was not mixed with red pepper and cabbage was not used often. As Japan started to make their way into South Korea, they were introduce new foods that would allow to mix and combine new ingredients. Of course, there are different variation among the creation of Kimchi. In 1827, there were 92 different types of Kimchi, but today there are over 200. (
How to make Kimchi |
Ingredients:
For salting cabbage:
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Directions:
Prepare and salt the cabbage:
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Directions Cont.
While the cabbage is salting for 2 hours, and in between the times you’re turning it over, you can make the porridge:
- Combine the water and the sweet rice flour in a small pot. Mix well with a wooden spoon and let it cook over medium heat for about 10 minutes until it starts to bubble. Add the sugar and cook 1 more minute, stirring. Remove from the heat and let it cool off completely.
- Pour cooled porridge into a large mixing bowl. Add garlic, ginger, onion, fish sauce, fermented salted shrimp, and hot pepper flakes. Mix well with the wooden spoon until the mixture turns into a thin paste.
- Add the radish, carrot, and green onion, plus the Asian chives (or more green onions) and the water dropwort if you’re using them. Mix well.
Make Kimchi:
- Spread some kimchi paste on each cabbage leaf. When every leaf in a quarter is covered with paste, wrap it around itself into a small packet, and put into your jar, plastic container, or onggi.
- Eat right away, or let it sit for a few days to ferment.
On fermentation:
- The kimchi will start fermenting a day or two at room temperature, depending on the temperature and humidity of your room. The warmer and more humid it is, the faster the kimchi will ferment. Once it starts to ferment it will smell and taste sour, and pressing on the top of the kimchi with a spoon will release bubbles from beneath.
- Once it starts to fermented, store in the refrigerator to use as needed. This slows down the fermentation process, which will make the kimchi more and more sour as time goes on.
More information about Kimchi visit: https://www.maangchi.com/recipe/tongbaechu-kimchi
Reference:
Sources:
Kraig, B. (n.p.). PBS Hidden Korea: Food. Retrieved from http://www.pbs.org/hiddenkorea/credits.htm ZenKimchi. (2006). Kimchi: A short history. Retrieved from http://zenkimchi.com/top-posts/kimchi-1-short-history/ Maangchi. (2014). Maangchi: Napa cabbage Kimchi. Retrieved from https://www.maangchi.com/recipe/tongbaechu-kimchi |
Pictures:
Foodspotting [digital image]. (2017). Foodspotting: Bulgolgi Rice Bowl. Retrieved from http://www.foodspotting.com/find/best/Bulgogi- Rice-Bowl/in/The-World Sue Pressy [digital image]. (2016). My Korean kitchen: Korean black bean sauce noodles (Jajangmyeon). Retrieved from https://mykoreankitchen.com/korean-black-bean-sauce-noodles-jajangmyeon/ Ma, C. [digital image]. (2016). Cherry on my sundae: Korean ox bone soup. Retrieved from http://cherryonmysundae.com/2013/01/korean-ox-bone-soup.html Ro, H. [digital image]. (2016). Insider: 30 mouthwatering foods that everyone should try in South Korea. Retrieved from http://www.thisisinsider.com/foods-to-eat-in-south-korea-2016-7 |
Want more Information?
1. Kwintessential: Guide to South Korea: http://www.kwintessential.co.uk/resources/guide-to-south-korea-etiquette-customs-culture-business.html
This website main focus is South Korea's etiquette, customs, and business culture. It talks about the different Korean culture aspects that are within Korea. This guide would be very resourceful for someone who is wanting to know more information about South Korea before making a trip. More importantly, the fact that it addresses the etiquettes in South Korea, it would definitely help you, so you would not offend anyone.
2. Learn Korean Language: Korean Culture: http://www.learnkoreanlanguage.com/Korean-Culture.html
This website offers more aspects about the Korean Culture. There are different tabs on the side to choose from and more information provided. You could choose from the Korean language, geography, language to the martial art culture. There are several different language dialects that vary throughout South Korea. Also, another thing to note is that this website gives basic Korean language lessons.
This website main focus is South Korea's etiquette, customs, and business culture. It talks about the different Korean culture aspects that are within Korea. This guide would be very resourceful for someone who is wanting to know more information about South Korea before making a trip. More importantly, the fact that it addresses the etiquettes in South Korea, it would definitely help you, so you would not offend anyone.
2. Learn Korean Language: Korean Culture: http://www.learnkoreanlanguage.com/Korean-Culture.html
This website offers more aspects about the Korean Culture. There are different tabs on the side to choose from and more information provided. You could choose from the Korean language, geography, language to the martial art culture. There are several different language dialects that vary throughout South Korea. Also, another thing to note is that this website gives basic Korean language lessons.
Seoul, South Korea Transportation Route
Source: Imagine Your Korea [Tourist Information]. (2016) Seoul Metropolitan Subway Map [photo courtesy of SeoulMetro]. Retrieved from http://english.visitkorea.or.kr/enu/TRP/TP_ENG_6.jsp
This map shows the transportation aspect of the economic culture of South Korea. This could one of the most confusing and difficulty train station to navigate. This transportation system is operated about five cities, Seoul area, Busan, Daegu, Gwangju and Daejeon. This service is available for anyone and makes transporting easier for people with a little bit of guidance. Just know that Seoul is the city ranks top in terms of size and routes, that include 1 to 9 different train systems. According to the map legend, each train system has a different color, name and number.
Country Demographic Data
Religions: Christian 31.6% Buddhist 24.2% other 44.2%
Birth rate: 8.4 births/ 1,000 population
Life expectancy at birth: 82.4% total population
Contraceptive prevalence rate: 80%
Population growth rate: 0.53%
Mother's mean age at birth: 31
Source: https://www.cia.gov/library/publications/the-world-factbook/geos/ks.html
Birth rate: 8.4 births/ 1,000 population
Life expectancy at birth: 82.4% total population
Contraceptive prevalence rate: 80%
Population growth rate: 0.53%
Mother's mean age at birth: 31
Source: https://www.cia.gov/library/publications/the-world-factbook/geos/ks.html
Looking at figure 1 and 2 in comparison, the 1st age of marriage was at it's youngest age in 1925 than compared to 2005. It illustrates that the age had increased since 1925. The age has increased since then because of economic development that has been occurring in South Korea over time. Also to note, age of 1st marriage has also increased on a global scale, not only in South Korea. It may be this way because of economic advancement globally and more people becoming more aware of health concerns that may arise.
Looking at figure 3 and 4, it illustrates the population size for the Children and elderly in 1950 and in 2015. In 1950, there was a high population of children and elderly in South Korea but looking at the population size in 2015, it decreased. This many be because, according to the population pyramid there was also a decrease in the older population, but a higher percentage of working class citizens, who are then moving up the pyramid. After looking at the population size globally, the children and elderly population have decreased. This would be because of the transition period, where the babies are entering adulthood.
Overall, looking at these changes that have occurred overtime is interesting and fascinating because Koreans were able to adapt to the changes, especially during the Korean War. However, it does not mean that the Koreans have fully recovered from the changes, but are still overcoming the challenges that are coming their way and it is inspiring to see their achievements as a nation.
Looking at figure 3 and 4, it illustrates the population size for the Children and elderly in 1950 and in 2015. In 1950, there was a high population of children and elderly in South Korea but looking at the population size in 2015, it decreased. This many be because, according to the population pyramid there was also a decrease in the older population, but a higher percentage of working class citizens, who are then moving up the pyramid. After looking at the population size globally, the children and elderly population have decreased. This would be because of the transition period, where the babies are entering adulthood.
Overall, looking at these changes that have occurred overtime is interesting and fascinating because Koreans were able to adapt to the changes, especially during the Korean War. However, it does not mean that the Koreans have fully recovered from the changes, but are still overcoming the challenges that are coming their way and it is inspiring to see their achievements as a nation.
Religions in South Korea
The four main religions in South Korea past and present are, Shamanism, Buddhism, Christianity and Confucianism. Shamanism is the oldest indigenous religion that still exists in South Korea. Many Koreans believe their Shamanistic beliefs come from the Central Asia, Siberia, northern Scandinavia. The teaching from Shamanism derives from various parts of the world. Shamanism is "practice of these intrinsic techniques, either healing or spiritual knowledge" (Shaman Links). Shaman was the belief that there is bad and good energy in the world and it was a matter of finding balance and harmony between both energies. After some time, Buddhist monks made their way to Korea. The first Dynasty of Korea that unified Korea established" Buddhism as an official religion of the peninsula (Kraig, B., Phd, 2013). The Buddhism religion derived from around the world, due the journey made by the monks into Korea. During the 17th century, the Roman catholics visited Korea, along with China and Japan, introducing Christianity. Many of the Korean rulers prohibited Christianity causing many of the Korean Christian followers to be martyred. Confucius, a "Chinese wise man had the greatest influence on Korean ideas" (Kraig, B., Phd, 2013). Confucianism was not considered a religion but a way of order in the society that Korea still follows today.
The four main religions in South Korea all play a role in the development of South Korea. There are remnants of each religion that are still present and that majority of Koreans still take part in today. The "huge fortune telling business [that young and older Koreans take part in] is an extension of Shamanism (Korea4expats.com, 1970). While it is not widely practiced, fortune telling has been modified into modernized South Korean culture, some had created fortune telling accessible on the internet. However, the various forms of other religions that have been introduced, like Confucianism, Buddhism, and Christianity still exist in the contemporary society of South Korea. You might not see the different elements from each religion, but there are present. Another example that shows religion is present is that, there are many Buddhist temples that exist that many Koreans attend to pray. Confucianism had an influence of the hierarchy, the teaching of respecting your elders. In present day Korea, "the person of lower status bows to the person of higher status" (Commisceo Global) due the Confucianism teachings.
The four main religions in South Korea all play a role in the development of South Korea. There are remnants of each religion that are still present and that majority of Koreans still take part in today. The "huge fortune telling business [that young and older Koreans take part in] is an extension of Shamanism (Korea4expats.com, 1970). While it is not widely practiced, fortune telling has been modified into modernized South Korean culture, some had created fortune telling accessible on the internet. However, the various forms of other religions that have been introduced, like Confucianism, Buddhism, and Christianity still exist in the contemporary society of South Korea. You might not see the different elements from each religion, but there are present. Another example that shows religion is present is that, there are many Buddhist temples that exist that many Koreans attend to pray. Confucianism had an influence of the hierarchy, the teaching of respecting your elders. In present day Korea, "the person of lower status bows to the person of higher status" (Commisceo Global) due the Confucianism teachings.
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Korea is home to many temples that attract many tourist and natives to visit the temples. An important thing to note is that there is different purposes for each temples. There are many Buddhist temples that still exist because there are Koreans that still attend ceremony and prayers sessions. The Buddhism religion is still alive in South Korea. The buddhist temples are considered a sacred space because of the religious activities that occur in a buddhist temples. On the other hand, there are temples that are have purposes for the Shamanism belief. For example, Koreans would attend the Nakan-Sa Temple to worship the Shamanic Dragon-king of the water. The Koreans would greet the the king of the water. There is a connection between the Confucianism religion and the government is a couple of the ways. Confucianism has an impact on the way the government is operated because many respect higher authority due the teaching of Confucius. South Korea is considered the "Confucianism society on Earth" (John. P., 2013). According to Confucian words of Confucius "there is both a great happiness and satisfaction in constant studies."(Tomasz, S). This saying had an influence on the education system because South Korea is known for their competitiveness in the education. Overall, there are still lingering affects that confucianism has on South Korea today. |
My Thoughts
After reading the about the different religions that the Korean have adapted is very interesting to learn about. With my passion for learning more about the Korean Cultures, I did not know that there were a lot religions that have been introduced to the people, causing some to be martyred. It is amazing to see the people resiliency toward better future for the people. There are different religions that are currently in South Korea, I wonder if there are some people who are brought in a household where both sides of the family believe in different religions. I am very interested in that because for me, growing up, I was introduced to three different religions. Currently, I am trying to find balance between the three religions by setting values from each religion for myself that will help me succeed.
References:
Shaman Link. (n.d.). Contemporary Shamanism. Retrieved from https://www.shamanlinks.net/shaman-info/about-shamanism/contemporary-shamanism/
Kraig, B., Phd. (n.d.). Hidden Korea: Religion. Retrieved from http://www.pbs.org/hiddenkorea/religion.htm
Korea4expats.com. (1970). Fortune Telling. Retrieved from http://www.korea4expats.com/article-fortune-tellers.html
Power, J. (2012). [VOICE] Does Confucianism have a role in Korea today? Retrieved from http://www.koreaherald.com/view.php?ud=20120213001231
Commisceo Global. (n.d.). South Korea Guide. Retrieved from http://www.commisceo-global.com/country-guides/south-korea-guide
Sleziak, T. (2013). The Role of Confucianism in Contemporary South Korean Society. Retrieved from https://www.researchgate.net/publication/272389562_The_Role_of_Confucianism_in_Contemporary_South_Korean_Society
Shaman Link. (n.d.). Contemporary Shamanism. Retrieved from https://www.shamanlinks.net/shaman-info/about-shamanism/contemporary-shamanism/
Kraig, B., Phd. (n.d.). Hidden Korea: Religion. Retrieved from http://www.pbs.org/hiddenkorea/religion.htm
Korea4expats.com. (1970). Fortune Telling. Retrieved from http://www.korea4expats.com/article-fortune-tellers.html
Power, J. (2012). [VOICE] Does Confucianism have a role in Korea today? Retrieved from http://www.koreaherald.com/view.php?ud=20120213001231
Commisceo Global. (n.d.). South Korea Guide. Retrieved from http://www.commisceo-global.com/country-guides/south-korea-guide
Sleziak, T. (2013). The Role of Confucianism in Contemporary South Korean Society. Retrieved from https://www.researchgate.net/publication/272389562_The_Role_of_Confucianism_in_Contemporary_South_Korean_Society