South Korea is a cultural hub endowed with a diverse history of food and culture which is evident in the Korean dishes. Korean cuisine encompasses a rich and diverse range of tastes and components: rice, vegetables, and meat are accompanied by extraordinary seasonings and marinades. A typical Korean meal is made up of several side dishes referred to as “banchan” (Bell & Ham, 2003). Of those side dishes, kimchi, the fermented vegetable dish, is perhaps the most popular and has been reported to be healthy with a unique flavor (Park & Lee, 2019). Also of particular importance is the Korean barbecue which is also a table-side grilling process and enhances interaction among diners (Bell & Ham, 2003). Such culinary practices not only diversify the Korean food culture but also stress the cultural norms of sharing food in the context of Korea.
South Korea is also characterized by the use of traditional costumes and religious beliefs. The Hanbok is a Korean traditional costume which is worn during festivals and ceremonies; it has a bright colored and graceful appearance (Bell & Ham, 2003). Hanbok properly represents the historical perspectives and the art sense of Korean people. As for the religion, it is mostly divided into Buddhist, Christian, and Confucian religions of South Korea. These religions highly contribute to shaping the Korean culture and the Korean society (Choi, 2017). For example, Confucianism as a cultural value that focuses on such aspects as respect for elderly people and maintaining order in society, is actively manifested in various aspects of Korean life and interpersonal interactions (Seomun & Lee, 2017). These religious practices not only define the religious culture of South Korea but also the cultural practices of the people.
