One of my favorite things about Korea has been the amazing food I’ve been eating every single day since coming here. The food is an integral part of the Korean culture and reflects the country's long history and traditions. I’d love to share a bit more of the key features of Korean food and cultural significance behind it while also sharing some of my absolute favorite dishes with you all today.
Before I share some particular dishes, I want to share a bit more about the importance of food in Korean culture. Food is not just a means of sustenance here, but also a way to bring people together! Most meals are eaten together in family style, with everyone eating from the same dish. In addition, traditionally, meals begin by people saying, "jal meokkesseumnida," which means, "I will eat well." This is a way of expressing gratitude for the food and for the people who prepared it.
Lastly, Korean food is comprised of many side dishes. There will usually be a main dish, but there will also be side dishes to supplement the meal, such as kimchi. Kimchi is a spicy and sour fermented vegetable dish that is made with a variety of ingredients, such as cabbage, radish, cucumber, and more. Kimchi is a staple in Korean foods, but there all so many other side dishes as well.
Korean barbecue, for instance, is one such cuisine eaten as a community.
