K-pop groups such as BTS and Blackpink, along with Korean dramas and movies, have gained global popularity, leading to increased interest in Korea.

And Korean Wave is influencing various fields, not only music and dramas, but also fashion, beauty, and food.

Korea has also rapidly developed from the ruins of war to become one of the most economically successful countries in the world. This remarkable economic development has sparked interest in Korea's development model and strategies among many.

For these various reasons, global interest in Korea continues to grow, so let's take a brief look at some common inquiries about Korea.

1. What are some of Korea's traditional foods?

Korean traditional food reflects the history, culture, and natural environment of the region. Korean cuisine offers a variety of flavors and nutrients, and here are some representative Korean traditional foods.

• Kimchi: Fermented vegetables, mainly using cabbage and radishes, seasoned with various spices including red pepper powder, garlic, and ginger. It is a representative Korean side dish with various types and an essential part of the Korean table.
• Bibimbap: A dish where various vegetables, meat (mainly beef), egg, and gochujang are mixed into rice. It is well-balanced in nutrition and allows you to adjust the ingredients to your taste, making it popular among many people.
• Bulgogi: Thinly sliced beef marinated with soy sauce, sugar, sesame oil, etc., and grilled. It is one of Korea's representative meat dishes, characterized by its tender and sweet taste.
• Samgyeopsal: Pork belly grilled and eaten, a simple yet delicious dish. It tastes even better when eaten with ssamjang (spicy soybean paste), garlic, and lettuce.
• Doenjang Jjigae: A stew made with doenjang (fermented soybean paste) as the main ingredient, boiled with various vegetables, seafood, or meat. It is a frequent dish on Korean tables due to its rich flavor and abundant nutrition.
• Galbi: Ribs of beef or pork marinated and grilled, especially seasoned galbi, which is characterized by its sweet and savory flavor.
• Gimbap: Rice and various ingredients (pickled radish, spinach, carrot, egg, etc.) rolled in seaweed and cut into pieces, a convenient food often prepared for picnics or trips.
• Sundubu Jjigae: Spicy stew made with soft sundubu (silken tofu) as the main ingredient, boiled with seafood, meat, and various vegetables.

In addition to these, Korea has a wide variety of traditional foods, and each region has its unique dishes. Korean traditional foods not only prioritize taste but also emphasize nutritional balance, aiding in maintaining a healthy diet.

2. How are Korea's culture and traditions preserved?

Korea's culture and traditions are preserved in various ways. These preservation efforts are achieved through the participation of the government, local communities, and individuals and take many forms.

• Cultural Heritage Protection: Korea has a system for legally protecting cultural heritage, such as nationally designated cultural properties and locally designated cultural properties. These cultural properties include various historical buildings, archaeological sites, intangible cultural heritage, and the government is making efforts to preserve, restore, and maintain them.
• Intangible Cultural Heritage Transmission: Korea places great emphasis on the transmission of intangible cultural heritage. This includes traditional music, dance, crafts, and rituals. To achieve this, the government designates designated holders, known as Human Cultural Treasures, and supports them so that they can pass on their skills and knowledge to future generations.
• Transmission through Education: Korean history and traditions are included in school curricula to enable children and youth to naturally learn and understand Korean culture and traditions. In addition, traditional cultural schools and cultural centers offer programs to learn various traditional arts and crafts.
• Festivals and Events: Various traditional festivals and events are held regularly across the country, providing opportunities to experience and enjoy traditional culture. For example, traditional holidays like the Lantern Festival, Chuseok, and Seollal are significant times to experience Korea's unique culture and traditions.
• Utilization of Digital Technology: Recently, there have been active efforts to digitize cultural heritage using digital technology and introduce Korea's culture and traditions to a wider audience. Accessibility is being increased through various methods such as virtual reality (VR), augmented reality (AR), and online exhibitions.

Through these efforts, Korea's culture and traditions are recognized for their value in modern society and continue to be preserved and transmitted.