Koreans consume a diet largely based on rice, vegetables, seafood, and (especially in South Korea) meats.
Key Components of the Korean Diet
Korean cuisine is characterized by a few staple ingredients and cooking styles that appear frequently in their meals. Here's a breakdown:
- Rice: Rice is the cornerstone of almost every Korean meal. It's typically short-grain rice that is steamed.
- Vegetables: A wide variety of vegetables are used in Korean cooking, often fermented (like kimchi), pickled, or blanched.
- Seafood: Given Korea's long coastline, seafood plays a significant role in their diet. This includes fish, shellfish, and seaweed.
- Meat: While dairy is largely absent from traditional Korean diets, meat, particularly in South Korea, is common. Popular meats include beef, pork, and chicken.
Common Dishes Showcasing Popular Ingredients
The ingredients that Koreans eat a lot are combined in diverse and flavorful dishes:
| Dish | Main Ingredients |
|---|---|
| Kimchi | Fermented vegetables (typically cabbage and radish) |
| Bibimbap | Rice, vegetables, meat, and gochujang (chili pepper paste) |
| Bulgogi | Marinated beef |
| Seafood Stew | Assorted seafood, vegetables, and broth |
