South Korean Culture: Food, Drinks and Alcohol

Whether you're taking a vacation to South Korea, visiting friends and family overseas or moving to the tiny country, it's important to understand what you're getting into when it comes to Korean food! They are a secluded country that keeps to themselves and as a result their culture is magnificently preserved. That little bit includes the food the eat and the drinks they drink!

Before I get started, let me tell you that the sizes of everything are often very small compared to Western drinks and portions. This is because Koreans are heavily into portion control in attempts to steer clear of the obesity epidemic. In short, expect 4 oz. drinks and smaller portions than you are use to.

With that said, here is a little bit more about their food and alcohol.

The Food

Koreans are quite proud of their food. The traditional meal consists of hot soup (with lots of fish and/or vegetables), rice, kimchi and other small side dishes. Their food is quite spicy, so be wary if spicy things get to you. Koreans are known for their Kimchi, a very spicy and healthy side dish served at every single meal (including breakfast). There is a large variety of kimchi (sometimes called gimchi). It is always a vegetable (usually cabbage) that is pickled or fermented and flavored with seafood and spices. It is high in vitamins, minerals, and lactic acid and increasingly popular in the world of health-foods.

They are the only country that eats with metal chopsticks. Most asian countries use chopsticks, but only of the wooden variety. Metal chopsticks are heavier and more difficult to use. With a little practice you will become quite good with them, though!

Koreans eat dog meat. I promise you though, you'll know when you are getting it as it is quite expensive and considered a delicacy. They only eat large, undomesticated dogs and they do keep small dogs as pets (not for food!).

Fish is abundant and as a result cheap. After all, Korea is surrounded by water! Most restaurants have fish swimming in tanks outside. Talk about a fresh cash!

Most Koreans eat traditional food for their meals, but there are also Western influences and you are sure to run into McDonald's, Papa Johns, Pizza Hut, Burger King, Dunkin Donuts and Baskin Robbins!

*Price wise, Korean food is very inexpensive. Two people can eat on the street for less than 7500W.

Dessert

Koreans often skip out on the dessert at meals, so don't expect a piece of pie when you've finished! Their traditional dessert, rice cake, is not very sweet. I suggest giving it a try, though most Western mouths aren't too fond of it! Despite the lack of sweets at the table, there are lots of candy-types at convenient stores and grocery stores and they are delicious. In addition, the many bakeries located around town often serve up gourmet-looking treats that are almost too beautiful to eat.

Alcohol

Korean's definitely know how to party! Their most popular alcoholic beverage, Soju, can be found anywhere and is very cheap. It is like vodka but I find that it goes down easier and isn't as "harsh" of a liquid, if you will. Soju is a very old drink, created in the 1300s when Mongolians occupied Korea. It is made of distilled rice and other grains.

If you attend a party with Koreans or a dinner with business partners, expect for people to drink heavily. They will expect you to drink as well and will take offense if you decline their offer. If you are strictly against drinking alcohol, politely explain that you are allergic (and if you're pregnant it's not an issue). Keep in mind that if you finish your glass, more will be added!

If you are out late on the weekends you will likely see drunk people roaming around on the streets. Don't be frightened, just be amused! :) And those orange spots on the streets in the morning...we'll just call it undigested Soju!

Good luck! If you would like more information on South Korea or ESL teaching, check out my other articles on Associated Content or visit my blog at www.misswendycity.blogspot.com