BY FITRI JAMARI
South Korea has long been known as one of the countries that has a lot of delicious food. Starting from Kimbab, Ramyeon, and Kimchi which have been known to various countries. Not only that, it turns out that the Ginseng State also has an interesting eating culture to explore.
In Korea, eating not only serves to fill the stomach, but there are traditions and manners that are still being carried out. Especially when eating together in a restaurant, there are some ethics that must be obeyed when eating, starting from a sitting position, procedures for taking food, to ethics when drinking alcohol.
The procedure for eating is done to respect and respect the eating companion, as well as the food that has been served. Quoted from the book The Beauty of Korean Food: With 100 Best-Loved Recipes, here are five things to watch out for when eating in South Korea.
1. Sitting position according to rank
Although it sounds unusual, Koreans are known to be very attentive to the seating position in a banquet. Especially when eating with work, each person's seat is arranged based on rank and position in the company.
The lower the rank of a person, then the position of the seat will be closer to the exit. This also applies when eating family, or reunions between seniors and juniors.
2. Do not overtake the older when eating
As in Malaysia, Korea is known as a country that highly upholds courtesy. No exception when eating with older people.
When eating with Koreans, younger people are not allowed to eat ahead of parents. Apart from being disrespectful, this is considered an attitude of not appreciating the presence of older people.
3. Appreciate the food served
Before eating, Koreans will say 'Jalmeokgesseumnida' which means 'I will eat with pleasure'. This speech is a form of gratitude to the chef for serving delicious food.
After the meal is finished, don't forget to say 'Jalmeogeossseumnida' which means an expression of gratitude for the food that has been served.
4. Ethics using chopstick and spoon
Unlike other East Asian countries, in South Korea, the chopstick is only used to take and eat side dishes, snacks and noodles. As for eating rice, porridge or soup, Koreans will use a typical long-handled spoon.
In addition, do not use used chopstick to pick up the food that has just been served. Apart from being impolite, used chopstick is also not guaranteed to be clean so it can pollute and affect the taste and quality of food.
5. Ethics when drinking alcohol
South Koreans are famous for their fondness for drinking soju, which is a type of alcoholic beverage typical of Gingseng. In fact, drinking soju has become a culture that is often done in order to strengthen relationships between friends or coworkers.
Even so, there are some rules that must be obeyed when drinking soju, one of which is turning away when drinking with an older person. In addition, do not ever reject soju offered by seniors or older people because it is considered rude and impolite.
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