One of the many aspects of Korean culture that intrigues me is about Korean culture is the Korean food culture, especially the communal way meals are shared. Dishes like kimchi, bulgogi, and bibimbap are widely known, but what fascinates me most is how eating in Korea is about community, etiquette, and respect rather than just the food itself. For example, there are rules about pouring drinks for others (you first pour drinks for the elders at the table), using honorifics when speaking to elders at the table, and the expectation that everyone shares from the same dishes. This cultural practice is closely tied to language, as the way you speak depends on your relationship to others at the table (Similar to that of the Japanese language).
To fully understand this, I need to learn not only the food vocabulary itself, like for example 김치 (kimchi), 된장찌개 (doenjang jjigae, soybean paste stew), or 반찬 (banchan, side dishes). But also the honorific and polite speech levels that show respect to those around me. Without this knowledge, I could know the names of foods but miss the social meaning of eating together, and in ways, potentially mean disrespect to those around me, even if I don’t mean it. In my learning plan, I have included goals to study honorifics and polite expressions, since they are essential for engaging with this topic. I hope to not only enjoy Korean food (I need to try new varieties) but also participate in the deeper cultural values expressed through shared meals.
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