Hansik (Korean Food)

Hansik, meaning Korean food, contains less meat than most traditional Western or Chinese cuisine, and features a wide variety of fermented foods, assorted vegetable dishes, and rice. It is very nutritious and is becoming more and more popular around the world for its health benefits. Traditionally, Korean table settings are comprised of a number of side dishes. Family and friends gather around the table and share between themselves, sampling every dish. Only boiled rice and guk (soup) are two items that are not shared. These customs represent the true character of Koreans as being people who prefer to do everything together. The staple dishes in Korean food are boiled rice and kimchi. However, a meal rarely consists of only these two. In a typical Korean meal, an array of side dishes is served all at once. Kimchi is an essential side dish. In fact, it is a world-famous dish and is now considered to be one of the world's top five health foods. In addition to kimchi, bibimbap(boiled rice mixed with vegetables), galbi (seasoned ribs), bulgogi (marinated, barbecued beef), and hanjeongsik (a full-course Korean meal) are major Korean dishes that have made their way out into the world, thanks to the Korean Wave.Daejanggeum, or Jewel in the Palace, a TV drama on royal court cuisine, became a sensation in Asia and naturally made Korean royal court food the center of attention.