Rice-centered dining culture:
Korean meals are usually composed of soup, stew, and various side dishes centered on rice. Rice is the main source of energy and enhances the taste of other foods. "Did you eat?" It is more than just a greeting, it contains a warm heart that cares about each other's meals. The act of eating together is also an important means of strengthening the sense of community and forming bonds.
Different foods related to rice:
Rice is served on the table of Koreans in various forms besides rice.
- Rice cakes: On special days such as holidays and feasts, various rice cakes made from rice are shared and prayed for good fortune. There are many types such as rice cake soup, songpyeon, injeolmi, and glutinous rice cake.
- Porridge: When you are sick or have trouble digesting, soft rice porridge is an excellent source of nutrition. Add various ingredients such as white rice porridge, red bean porridge, pumpkin porridge, and abalone porridge and boil it.
- Alcohol: Rice is also an important ingredient in making traditional sake. Makgeolli, yakju, and cheongju are made through the fermentation process of rice and are alcoholic beverages that have shared the joys and sorrows of Koreans.
- Others: Rice is also used as an ingredient in various snacks and drinks, such as sungnyeol, rice powder, and rice crackers.
Agricultural Culture and Rice:
For many years, rice farming has been the foundation of Korean life, and agricultural culture has had a profound impact on the spiritual world and traditions of Koreans. The process of sowing, watering, and harvesting according to the changing seasons required the cooperation of the community, which fostered the spirit of mutual aid. Various agricultural rituals and folk games to pray for a good harvest contain gratitude for rice and wishes for a bountiful harvest.
Rice culture in modern society:
Although rice consumption is decreasing due to the westernization of dietary habits, rice still occupies an important place in the Korean diet. Recently, as interest in health has increased, more and more people are consuming rice in various forms such as brown rice and multigrain rice. In addition, with the development of high-quality rice varieties and the emergence of various processed foods using rice, the rice culture is facing a new change.