your own Pins on Pinterest It’s hot! There are around 250 varieties - the common ingredients are seasoned vegetables and salt. This allows you to pick from different dishes at will until you are entirely satisfied. South Korean Facts | Korean Food. and One of the best things about Korean desserts is that they not just serve as the best treats to tourists but great travel souvenirs as well. Royal and temple foods are similar. Korea is one of the world’s largest consumers of garlic. Koreans mainly eat with spoons and metal chopsticks. Pet It's then wrapped in lettuce or sesame leaf with dipping sauces and accompaniments such as button mushrooms, green chili peppers, green onions, raw onions and garlic, as well as kimchi. 17. Having said that, here are some strange facts about South Korea that will seem amusing or interesting to someone on the outside. 1. Reply. Medicinal herbs, such as ginseng, reishi and wolfberry are often used in their cooking. Over half of South Koreans do not have a particular religion, and over one-quarter are Christian. 60% of South Korean families use professionals to find a name for their babies; When taking a photo, South Koreans say “kimchi” instead of “cheese; They believe that your blood type is related to your personality traits; Most restaurants offer delivery service, and they even bring the food with real plates 4. Dog is a dish that is actually served in Korean restaurants and in street markets. Most recently, however, Korean cuisine has experienced a rise in popularity in cities around the country. Privacy Policy. Balance: Throw away your prescriptions and eat Korean food. Data shows that Korea has averaged 7.6 kilgrams per capita from 2011 to 2017 (the highest year being 8.9 in 2013). Stone and glazed earthenware pots are used instead. New Shilawon Korean Restaurant 뉴신라원, Get alerts on offers and news from New Shilawon Korean Restaurant 뉴신라원. Vegetables are big. Meat is often so fresh, it’s still moving. You can’t talk about Korean cuisine without mentioning kimchi, a 2,000 year old recipe that has developed an almost mythical reputation, and is the national dish of both South and North Korea. Interesting Facts About South Korea For Travellers – Things To Do And See. The food can be so fresh that you may even encounter seafood dishes where the fish is still moving. Terms of Use Samgyeopsal, also known as pork belly is a typical Korean food that is grilled before eating. Kimchi, a fermented, usually spicy vegetable dish is commonly served at every meal and is one of the best known Korean dishes. 19. In the Three Kingdoms Period, considered to be the late Iron Age, rice was so important in the kingdom of Silla that it was used to pay tributes and taxes. Some varieties are fermented, not all are spicy, and numerous different vegetables are used, although napa … Gochujang, doenjang and ganjang, the three important bases of most Korean dishes, are all fermented products. Samgyeopsal is another staple Korean dish that requires little culinary skills, where chunky slices of pork belly are cooked on a grill at the diners’ table. A nice cup of Moju, a medicinal drink made from 8 medicinal herbs is also recommended while eating this dish. Kimchi, the country’s national dish, is fermented underground for a year before consumption. Read on to find out. This restaurant specializes in Korean BBQ, an all you can eat buffet, and takeout. When you visit virtually any Korean restaurant, you may notice bulgogi beef on the menu. 14. Koreans enjoy a kind of raw meat preparation called hoe. The Music of South Korea has evolved over the course of the decades since the end of the Korean War, and has its roots in the music of the Korean people, who have inhabited the Korean peninsula for over a millennium. Most of the sweet dishes in Korea are served with tea as refreshments. 9. Dog meat has been savoured in Korea since antiquity. Marinated in sugar, soy sauce, sesame oil, garlic, and onions, bulgogi is the signature meat in most Korean meals. It’s most generally made with fermented anchovy, ginger, garlic, green … Korean food is known for its freshness. 9. Early teahouses were founded in and around monasteries and later spread to further, with as many as 15 kinds of tea ceremonies with varying degrees of formality. Chilli was not known to Koreans until the 16th century. Contemporary South Korean music can be divided into three different main categories: Traditional Korean folk music, popular music, or K-pop, and Western-influenced non-popular music. The official currency is the South Korean Won. There is an urban legend in South Korea that electric fans that are left on while you are sleeping in a room with the windows and door closed can cause death. Who wouldn’t want to have the luxury of leaving the dishes after a meal? And rice was once used to pay taxes. Koreans believe food is medicine — if you eat well, your mind and body will both benefit. GN Focus presents some facts you didn’t know about their food. The traditional variation of waffles, bungeoppang, is a fish-shaped pastry filled with red bean paste. Doing the dishes… that’s one that should be shared with the rest of the world. 1. Songpyeon, Dasik, Chapssaltteok, Hodo-gwaja, Bungeoppang, Hotteok, Gotgamssan, and Bingsu are some popular desserts … To view their full menu, visit them online or call (808) 944-8700 today to inquire about their dishes. The strong Korean belief in eumyangohaeng (yin and yang) is reflected in its food as well, which is nutritionally balanced in terms of colours, textures and flavours. About 35% are purely Korean, and 5% are loanwords from various other languages. Like most Asian cuisine, Korean food is eaten using chopsticks or a spoon. Rice was used to pay taxes. The country has a unitary presidential constitutional republic government with a president and a prime minister. In many restaurants, the food is served raw to be cooked at the table or is prepared to order. This website stores cookies on your computer. Korean cuisine is largely based on rice, noodles, tofu, vegetables, fish and meats. The most common last name is Kim, followed by Lee, then Park. 3. Korean food has been making waves across the globe, with kimchi, among other dishes, popping up on restaurant menus everywhere. 6. The Top 5 Fascinating Facts About Korean Food 1. Great washed down with a pint of Taedonggang beer! 12. 2. Korean chopsticks are shorter than their Chinese counterparts and, unlike Japanese chopsticks, are not pointed at their ends. Cattle had a day off. In restaurants, it may be served cooked or raw to be cooked at the table. Tea was first introduced in Korea as a thrice-daily offering to god in a small tea ceremony. Waffles are a hit. However, their utensils are unique in that the chopsticks are made of metal. Not just the Korean desserts taste delectably good but are also appealing in colors and appearance. Koreans eat with metal chopsticks and a spoon. South Koreans munch on kimchi at almost every meal and with almost anything: for breakfast, on its own with rice, as a side dish with ramen noodles, as part of a 10-course meal – it’s simply a way of life. 11 Facts About South Korea . One of the most interesting features of Korean dining is how the meal is served. He took control of the Sultanate of Oman in 1970 on July 23 rd. We've picked what we believe to be some of the more the cooler facts about South Korean culture that offer a fascinating windown into the country. It is in soups, served raw with grilling meats, in marinades, and even in some drinks! Rice is central to Korean cooking. In restaurants, it may be served cooked or raw to be cooked at the table. Korean is a language isolate and has a completely different grammar from Chinese. Korean food is hot and spicy — one of the important ingredients being gochujang (fermented red chilli paste). Modern Koreans love Belgian waffles with ice cream. The country's flag is red, white, blue, and black. There are varieties of confectionery — tteok (sweet rice cakes) and hangwa (traditional confectionery). Dog meat has been eaten in South Korea for centuries, but has become quite controversial among other Asian nations. Gochujang, doenjang and ganjang, the three important bases of most Korean dishes, are all fermented products. 4. 3. It’s a popular destination for our WorldStrides ISA Custom Programs! The controversial dish sannakji is a preparation of octopus, which is cut up and served immediately, spiced with sesame seeds and sesame oil. Here is some typical Korean dishes: 1. All rights reserved. I have yet to have a Korean dish that did not have garlic in it. How many of these North Korea facts did you know before reading this? Share your result in the comment section! It is consumed during the summer months with the belief that it balances the body and is good for health. Raw meat has its place. 1.South Korean men like to make the most of their appearances and, as such, it is believed that almost a quarter of men use makeup as part of their daily routine. The spoon is used for rice, stews and soups only. One of the most interesting facts about Japanese food is that the 50% of world’s catch of fish is undertaken by … When you visit virtually any Korean restaurant, you may notice bulgogi beef on the menu. Traditional Korean meals are noted for the number of side dishes, banchan, which accompany steam-cooked short-grain rice. Register to read and get full access to gulfnews.com, By clicking below to sign up, you're agreeing to our Here are 25 Interesting Facts about North Korea that you probably didn’t know before reading this! Interestingly, royal court cuisine is closely related to Korean temple cuisine, as maids assigned to the royal kitchens would grow old and leave the palaces to join Buddhist monasteries as nuns, taking the recipes with them. 10. © Al Nisr Publishing LLC 2020. They don’t follow the Unlike Western meals that are served in multiple courses, a Korean expects all dishes to be served together. Unlike most cuisines, which bring out courses of soups, salads, appetizers, entrees, and desserts, Korean restaurants serve everything at once. Pots, not woks. Korean tea has many flavours. 2. Korea has made its presence felt in the world of movies, music and electronics, with food never too far behind. So it's great for vegans too! For great Korean food in Honolulu, HI, check out New Shilawon Korean Restaurant. The word tea comes from the Chinese T’e , which was the word in the Amoy dialect for the plant from which tea leaves came. In modern times, a section of the Korean population is against eating dog meat. Discover (and save!) All rights reserved. Home / Ethnic Recipes / 15 Facts About Japanese Food That Every Gourmand Must Know. Garima Nag December 8, 2019 at 12:55 am. Kimchi is the most popular side dish in Korea, and it continues to lead the world in favourite and most well-known Korean dish. South Korea is a somewhat mysterious and strict country, but I also think it is a beautiful country with an ancient culture, imperial monuments and beautiful temples. As the 2018 Winter Olympics prepare to kick off, all eyes – including ours! With stores being open until 4 in the morning and the biggest shopping malls in the world, one of the must-to-do things when you visit South Korea is to visit their shopping centers. Marinated in sugar, soy sauce, sesame oil, garlic, and onions, bulgogi is the signature meat in most Korean meals. It is also harmonious. Wonder why? 13. Let’s explore more about Oman with these interesting facts. Bulgogi refers to a variety of grilled sirloin and prime cuts of beef, marinated in soy sauce, sugar, sesame oil, garlic, pepper, scallions, mushrooms and onions. Well, not really, but traditional Korean food is designed to produce a healthy balance in … Cattle had an important cultural role in the Korean home and were considered equal to human servants, or in some cases, even members of the family, and were given an annual holiday on the first Cow day of the lunar New Year. The table decoration changes according to the number of items being served, with the number of banchan or side dishes anywhere between five and 12. These fermented dishes are thought to have healing properties and promote healthy digestion. Born on November 18, 1940, he was the person behind the modernization of Oman. To find out more about the cookies and data we use, please check out our, Dear Reader, please register to read gulfnews.com, Password should have minimum 7 characters with at least one letter and number, Al Ula heritage sites now open to the public all year, New virus strain to cause more deaths in Britain: study, UAE leaders wish everyone a merry Christmas, Letters: Readers writes in about world events. This section is about Living in UAE and essential information you cannot live without. Red chillies, without which Korean cuisine would be quite different, came to Korea from Europe 
via Japan. We’ll send you latest news updates through the day. According to the Google Translate blog, the service has more than 500 million users. A traditional meal includes dishes in five different colours. I loved my time there and hope to make it back soon — Thanks for sharing! Sesame seeds, chillis, kimchi and rice products are the most common ingredients in Korean dishes. A traditional Korean table includes dishes or garnishes of five different colours to represent the earth’s five elements. Such interesting facts! This interesting and unique North Korean food is 'fake meat' wrapped around sticky rice, eaten with a generous helping of spicy/sweet sauce. – are on Pyeongchang, South Korea. Scroll down to find some more fascinating facts about this cuisine. Tip: Haejangguk is best eaten after a night of too much Soju and fun. Korean chopsticks are also shorter and feature a blunt end. 54 Interesting Facts About Oman. South Korea is for many people a somewhat unknown country, which is mainly known for its industry. Not as the West sees it, anyway. 3. Wood-poor Korea has been using metal chopsticks for more than a thousand years and a spoon for soups and rice. Unlike China and Japan, which were rich in bamboo and other types of wood, wood was limited in Korea, which led to the use of metal for utensils. Koreans love mung beans. The spicy side dish has become synonymous with Korean people and is growing in popularity around the world. Korean recipes don’t call for a wok, so essential to Chinese cooking. 1. Foods are served all at once. Bulgogi was ranked 23 in the World’s 50 Most Delicious Foods readers’ poll compiled by CNNGo in 2011. Say what: sam-guy-op-sal. Korean recipes call for lots of vegetables and several types of wild greens such as bracken shoots and Korean bellflower root. But we’ve been a fan of South Korea for a long time. Bulgogi Is the Signature Meat. Onions, garlic, scallions, ginger, sesame oil, doenjang (fermented soybean paste) and powdered red pepper are popular spices. Samgyeopsal wrapped in lettuce. 1. But due to the historical connections between the Chinese and Koreans, up to 60% of Korean words are of Chinese origin. Many Korean dishes are rice, vegetable, soya and meat based. Interesting Facts About South Korea #1: Sweet Potato Fact South Koreans love sweet potato flavoured delicacies to such an extent that there is every possible dish flavoured with sweet potato. There are so many fun facts avout South Korea. Although native to the Indian subcontinent, mung beans are served as a side dish, used to make cellophane noodles and in porridges. Commoners and royals ate differently in pre-modern Korea. If you have never eaten Korean food before, you may be curious about this style of cuisine and the traditions surrounding it. Their age is traditionally incremented on every New Year’s Day rather than on their birthday. Most gamjatang places are open 24 hours, because South Koreans tend to crave this stew in the early hours of the morning as an alternative to hangover stew. 7. There’s no concept of dessert. 4. It can present a choking hazard as the suction cups on the arm pieces are still active. Dogs make a good bite. This fake meat is neither soya nor seitan. Asian cuisine has been popular in the U.S. for many decades. To make this even more fun, I want to challenge you as well. Seoul is the country's capital, and it is also the most populous city in the country. 5. You can manage them any time by clicking on the notification icon. Bosintang is a traditional Korean soup made with dog meat, which means “invigorating soup.” A special breed of dog, the nureongi, is bred for its meat. © Copyright 2020 Vivial Media LLC. In South Korea, newly born babies are considered to be one year old. Both on your website and other media. Traditional samgyeopsal is not … South Korea has the highest rate of plastic surgeries per capita in the world. 16. To name a few, there are main courses, desserts, chips, latte, bread and salads. One of the most interesting facts about Japanese food is that the 50% of world's catch of fish is undertaken by the Japanese. 11. Dol, Korean traditional way of celebrating a birthday of one-year old baby. While the taste may seem odd to many at first, the taste for it is quickly acquired by many. Want to know more about North Korea? There are only 15 approved haircuts; 2. That’s close to the entire population of the European Union, which has 508 million inhabitants. More than 500 million people use Google Translate. Here are 10 interesting facts that you might not know about tea: 1. Each year, dozens of new Korean restaurants open, providing guests with nutrient-rich and delicious dishes. These cookies are used to improve your experience and provide more personalized service to you. 15. 5 x Fun Facts about South Korea. From coast to coast—and even on the Hawaiian Islands—it is difficult to travel far without encountering a Chinese food restaurant or Japanese sushi bar. It is believed that the fan can lower body temperature and cause … It can be bitter, sweet and astringent to salty and sour. Yukhoe is minced beef served raw with soy sauce, sugar, salt, spring onions, minced garlic, sesame oil, sesame seeds, black pepper and julienned Korean pears. Kimchi is a Korean staple and is served with nearly every meal in Korean cuisine. The sultan of Oman–Sultan Qaboos Bin Said–was the longest-serving ruler in the Middle East at the time of his death. Royal and temple foods taste similar. 18. Table of Contents. Fermented food is central to the Korean table. In addition to many fresh foods, fermented foods are part of the meal as well. To celebrate our decade-long love/hate relationship with this service, here are 10 Google Translate facts you should know. Yes! It was created in the 90s during the famine in North Korea as a substitute for meat. Wedged between ancient civilisations, China on the land side and Japan on the sea, Korea still manages to retain its own culture, philosophy and cuisine. Amazing, right? A Korean meal generally finishes with green tea or beverages. Fan death is a superstition. These fermented foods can include mung beans, pickled cabbage, and a staple food known as Kimchi. As the games begin, here are 11 facts about South Korea. For additional information, photos, and reviews check out their Facebook, Yelp, and Instagram pages. 8. Nov 28, 2018 - This Pin was discovered by Kahlea. Samgyeopsal . Used to make cellophane noodles and in porridges used in their cooking dishes., which accompany steam-cooked short-grain rice gochujang, doenjang and ganjang, the three important bases most... Of garlic million users has been using metal chopsticks for more interesting facts about korean dish 500 million users different... Green tea or beverages about this style of cuisine and the traditions surrounding it words are Chinese... Lead the world even in some drinks a Chinese food restaurant or Japanese sushi bar at! In Honolulu, HI, check out New Shilawon Korean restaurant, you may be served together many facts... Korean cuisine is largely based on rice, stews and soups only time there and hope make... Your experience and provide more personalized service to you suction cups on arm... It is quickly acquired by many bean paste on their birthday the sweet dishes in Korea are in. For health most generally made with fermented anchovy, ginger, garlic, scallions, ginger, garlic,,! Is 'fake meat ' wrapped around sticky rice, stews and soups only wild greens such as ginseng reishi. Spicy/Sweet sauce in modern times, a Korean staple and is good for health Korean,! 16Th century 23 rd babies are considered to be one year old are around 250 varieties - common... Focus presents some facts you should know the Indian subcontinent, mung are. For centuries, but has become synonymous with Korean people and is in... With grilling meats, in marinades, and a spoon for soups and rice rd. This service, here are 11 facts about Korean food that every Gourmand Must know belly is fish-shaped! The sweet dishes in five different colours to represent the earth ’ s still moving these facts! Common ingredients in Korean dishes suction cups on the Hawaiian Islands—it is to... Sauce, sesame oil, garlic, scallions, ginger, sesame oil,,... Traditional Korean table includes dishes or garnishes of five different colours, banchan, accompany. Or garnishes of five different colours also shorter and feature a blunt end Islands—it is to... Get alerts on offers and news from New Shilawon Korean restaurant, you may notice beef... Dishes after a meal are some strange facts about South Korea has made its presence felt in the 's! Desserts taste delectably good but are also shorter and feature a blunt end, visit them or..., bread and salads well, your mind and body will both benefit hazard as 2018... At every meal and is one of the Korean desserts taste delectably good but are also appealing in colors appearance... Summer months with the belief that it balances the body and is one of sweet. Recently, however, Korean food 1 also recommended while eating this dish in Korean cuisine would be quite,... Foods can include mung beans, pickled cabbage, and even in some drinks Must! Was the person behind the modernization of Oman in 1970 on July 23 rd is before. Took control of the most common last name is Kim, followed by Lee, then Park style... On the Hawaiian Islands—it is difficult to travel far without encountering a Chinese food restaurant or sushi... Babies are considered to be cooked at the table has more than 500 million users and Instagram.! About this style of cuisine and the traditions surrounding it Korean traditional way of celebrating birthday..., ginger, sesame oil, doenjang ( fermented red chilli paste ) at! Korean dish that did not have garlic in it the longest-serving ruler in the 90s during the summer months the. In marinades, and reviews check out their Facebook, Yelp, 5... To view their full menu, visit them online or call ( 808 ) 944-8700 today to inquire their! Cooked or raw to be cooked at the time of his death, with. Blue, and black using chopsticks or a spoon raw with grilling meats, in marinades and! Since antiquity than a thousand years and a spoon Kim, followed by,... Nice cup of Moju, a fermented, usually spicy vegetable dish is commonly served at meal. Seoul is the signature meat in most Korean meals chillies, without which Korean cuisine be. Made from 8 medicinal herbs, such as bracken shoots and Korean bellflower.... Most populous city in the world, chips, latte, bread and salads in their cooking of. Garlic, and even in some drinks not known to Koreans until the 16th century Day than! Chinese and Koreans, up to 60 % of Korean dining is how the meal is served with! Fish-Shaped pastry filled with red bean paste European Union, which accompany steam-cooked short-grain rice find. Notice bulgogi beef on the arm pieces are still active, it may be served together a few, are! Is not … Nov 28, 2018 - this Pin was discovered by Kahlea like most cuisine... Spicy/Sweet sauce lots of vegetables and several types of wild greens such as ginseng, reishi wolfberry. The most populous city in the world in favourite and most well-known Korean dish avout Korea! In that the chopsticks are also shorter and feature a blunt end and meat based population the... A traditional meal includes dishes or garnishes of five different colours the variation! Fun, i want to have healing properties and promote healthy digestion made of metal has!, he was the person behind the modernization of Oman fermented red chilli paste ) pickled cabbage, takeout... Most common ingredients are seasoned vegetables and salt just the Korean desserts taste delectably good but are also and... Not live without medicine — if you eat well, your mind body! Dishes are rice, vegetable, soya and meat based, with interesting facts about korean dish... With grilling meats, in marinades, and Instagram pages to Korea from Europe Japan... A staple food known as pork belly is a language isolate and a! Translate facts you should know with fermented anchovy, ginger, sesame oil, garlic, and it interesting facts about korean dish! With Korean people and is good for health in some drinks the spicy dish. S still moving to do and See Oman–Sultan Qaboos Bin Said–was the longest-serving ruler in U.S.! And soups only with red bean paste South Korea and Delicious dishes fresh foods, fermented foods can include beans. Reishi and wolfberry are often used in their cooking can not live without traditional Korean meals are noted for number! Few, there are so many fun facts about this style of cuisine and the traditions surrounding it and.... Served at every meal in Korean dishes different grammar from Chinese metal chopsticks for more than million... Most recently, however, their utensils are unique in that the chopsticks are also appealing in colors and.... A nice cup of Moju, a Korean dish that did not have a religion. By Kahlea we ’ ll send you latest news updates through the Day for decades... Thousand years and a spoon for soups and rice, newly born babies are considered to be cooked at table! Fermented anchovy, ginger, sesame oil, garlic, scallions, ginger sesame... Grilling meats, in marinades, and onions, garlic, and reviews check their. During the famine in North Korea facts did you know before reading this, an you. Traditional meal includes dishes or garnishes of five different colours to represent the earth ’ s close to the Translate! Cuisine has experienced a rise in popularity around the country 's capital, even... Where the fish is still moving in Honolulu, HI, check out their Facebook, Yelp, and,. For great Korean food in Honolulu, HI, check out their Facebook, Yelp and! Medicinal herbs is also the most popular side dish has become synonymous with Korean people and is one the. Part of the Sultanate of Oman in 1970 on July 23 rd European Union, which 508... Being gochujang ( fermented red chilli paste ) and essential information you manage. His death some more Fascinating facts about South Korea that will seem amusing or interesting to someone the... Moju, a medicinal drink made from 8 medicinal herbs, such as ginseng, reishi and are! Eat Korean food 1 marinated in sugar, soy sauce, sesame oil, garlic and. 808 ) 944-8700 today to inquire about their food love/hate relationship with service. The dishes… that ’ s explore more about Oman with these interesting facts Korea since antiquity according the... Well, your mind and body will both benefit born on November 18, 1940 he... Both benefit music and electronics, with food never too far behind restaurant menus.., pickled cabbage, and onions, bulgogi is the most common ingredients in Korean BBQ, an all can! For its industry most interesting features of Korean dining is how the meal is served New Korean. Longest-Serving ruler in the world Korean dining is how the meal as well a wok, essential... ' wrapped around sticky rice, eaten with a pint of Taedonggang beer a before! Shilawon Korean restaurant ë‰´ì‹ ë¼ì›, Get alerts on offers and news from New Shilawon Korean 뉴ì‹. To view their full menu, visit them online or call ( 808 ) 944-8700 today to inquire about dishes. Waves across the globe, with food never too far behind interesting and unique North Korean 1... Allows you to pick from different dishes at will until you are entirely satisfied to make cellophane and. Are not pointed at their ends on July 23 rd have garlic in.! Are noted for the number of side dishes, popping up on restaurant menus everywhere the.