The environment here is perfect for cultivating rice because the wet summer months support the large quantity of water needed on the rice paddies.
South Korea has developed many delicious food products using rice. From sticky rice to rice cakes, rice porridge, and fried rice, there's a wide variety of rice-based foods to try! If you weren't a fan of rice before, you might become one after living in South Korea. Rice is eaten at every meal, and it's considered important to finish your rice—it's even seen as a sign of health and self-care. In fact, instead of asking "How are you?" South Koreans might ask, "Have you eaten rice?" (밥을 먹었어요?) to check on your well-being, emphasizing the importance of rice in their culture.
Since most of South Korea's land is mountainous, only a small portion of the land is suitable for farming. This poses a challenge in providing enough food for the country's large population without being dependent on imports from other countries. Over the years, South Korea has experienced rapid development, but this growth has come at an environmental cost. The country heavily depends on polluting fuels like coal. Additionally, due to the dense population and advanced infrastructure, air quality has deteriorated over time.
In response to these environmental challenges, various environmental groups have emerged, like the one I volunteered with in my city! These groups aim to address pollution and promote sustainable practices to improve the quality of life and protect South Korea's natural environment!
