KOREA-The "Land of the Morning Calm"

                                                                            

My first job out of college was working as a software engineer at Verizon in Silver Spring, Maryland . One of my new friends at Verizon was Jin Kyong. She was from Seoul, Korea. I remember the first time she asked me if I wanted to try real Korean food at an authentic local restaurant. Of course I was game for that! So off we went to DaeSung Café. As soon as I walked into the restaurant the hostess immediately asked me if I was aware that  this was a Korean restaurant not Chinese. I was the only non-Korean in the entire place, which told me that the food here must be good and authentic!  I remember hearing a tapping noise and Jin Kyong informed me that it was the store owner's mother making her daily batch of noodles. I was instantly in awe of the wonderful array of appetizers our server brought out. These little dishes called "Banchan" are side dishes that accompany most Korean meals along with rice and main entrees. They were so delicious and different in taste, texture, color. The bright yellow pickled radish, flavorful Kimch'i (Fermented Korean vegetables) , was  such a delightful way to start the meal. For the main dish we had noodles in a black bean sauce with pork. It was a meal like no other I had ever eaten. Although I have dined in many Korean restaurants since, I have never attempted to cook it at home. So here goes our first attempt at Korean cuisine!

 

                                                

This week we will cook two traditional Korean dishes. Our main entrée we will be prepare is called Bulgogi, it consists of  Sirloin Beef that has been marinated in soy, ginger, garlic, scallion, carrots, pear, brown sugar,  and sesame oil. After marinating overnight, the beef is grilled over charcoal. We will serve this with a spicy cucumber salad called oi muchim. I cannot wait!

                                                          

 

 In 1934 A.D., an emperor of the Ming dynasty of China, the Celestial Empire of the East, gave Korea the title of 'Chaohsien' meaning morning freshness. The title was most suited to South Korea because of its spellbinding natural beauty of picturesque high mountains and clear waters and its splen-did tranquillity, particularly in the morning which further confirmed the title on South Korea as the 'Land of Morning Calm'.

Korea was later  colonized by Japan in the early 20th century and later had to endure the Korean War. However, since then  it has achieved amazing economic growth in a short period, thus earning the new  title of  "the Miracle on the Han River."                                                  

Today, Korea is an industrial nation standing tall on the world stage. Its semiconductor, automobile, shipbuilding, steel making, and IT industries are on the leading edge in global markets. It hosted the 1988 Seoul Olympics and the 2002 FIFA World Cup Korea/Japan. More recently, Korean dramas, movies, and music are attracting many audiences in Asian countries and beyond, creating what is being called the "Korean Wave." Korea's new standing in the international community was highlighted in 2010 with the nation becoming the first Asian country to chair the G20 and host the G20 Seoul Summit.

                                             

The Korean flag is called Taegeukgi. Its design symbolizes the principles of the yin and yang in Asian philosophy. The circle in the center of the flag is divided into two equal parts. The upper red section represents the proactive cosmic forces of the yang. Conversely, the lower blue section represents the responsive cosmic forces of the yin. The two forces embody the concepts of continual movement, balance, and harmony that characterize the sphere of infinity. The circle is surrounded by four trigrams, one in each corner. Each trigram symbolizes one of the four universal elements: heaven, earth, fire, and water.

                                                                 

All Koreans speak and write the same language, which has been a decisive factor in forging their strong national identity. The words and accent spoken by the people of the Seoul area are regarded as standard. Among regional dialects, that of the people of Jejudo Island off the South Coast is most distinct.

                                                         

 

 

Hangeul, which consists of ten vowels and 14 consonants, can be combined to form numerous, syllabic groupings. It is simple yet systematic and comprehensive, and is considered one of the most scientific writing systems in the world. Hangeul is easy to learn and write, which has greatly contributed to Korea's high literacy rate and advanced publication industry.

                                        

South Koreans believe that food should be harmonized with natural spices and that balanced meals during the day are good for one's health. Because of their Confucian tradition and agricultural background, Koreans place great importance on proper table settings and etiquette. They have special food for different seasons and for seasonal festivities.

                                                                

Because Korea has four distinct seasons, fresh vegetables are not always readily available, especially during the winter months. It is this reason that led to the development of kimch'i, which is without a doubt, the most famous of Korean cuisines. Kimch'i is a condiment that is served with every meal. It consists of a uniquely pungent mixture of fermented vegetables and its variations amount to roughly 80 kinds of dishes during any particular season. The fermentation of the different vegetables used, complemented by salted fish and other seasonings, gives it a unique flavor. Kimch'i can be preserved for a long time and was originally put in a clay pot and buried in the autumn to allow it to ferment for use throughout the winter months. Its hot and spicy taste is said to stimulate the appetite. It is very nutritious, rich in vitamins, minerals, and lactic acid.