K FOOD: Secrets of Korean Flavors: Part 1, The Special Flavors of Korea
This is a general overview that outlines Korean food with the codes of 'flavorlessness ', 'fusion', 'fermentation', 'gathering,' and 'moist-heat.' In addition, we explored the special tastes of Korea, such as royal cuisine, Jongga food, Banga (nobleman house) food, temple food, seasonal holiday food, and rite of passage ceremonial food. It also contains basic information on ingredients that Koreans enjoy these days, Korean seasoning and garnish, Korean cooking tools, Korean dishes, such as white porcelain, brassware, Onggi, Korean ethnic earthenware, and woodenware, etc., and dining table and soban (a small portable dining table).
(Quotes)
“In contrast, Korean dishes are only completed in the mouth of the person eating. For every meal, rice, soup, vegetables, meat, fish and even desserts such as tteok and sikhye (sweet rice drink) are served simultaneously. Presented with parallel dishes served at the same time, Koreans put whatever they want to eat in their mouths. They might have a spoonful of rice with a slice of kimchi, they might mix a bit of galbi (grilled short rib) sauce with rice, or they might dump all of their rice into their soup. Depending on what you mix with rice, you can create bites that are salty, mild, or spicy. It’s up to the eater to create the exact taste of the food. Therefore, Korean food culture is defined by the concepts of becoming and creation. It’s inclusive - it embraces and combines.” (Preface of Volume 1, ‘K FOOD: Secrets of Korean Flavors)