K-BAP the Third.

           It is my pleasure to post this story of K-BAP for the third time. Thank you for your continuing following of my blog posts. From the previous story, you could get general information about difference of Korean dishes by regional groups. K-BAP the 3^rd is dealing with specific explanations of different Korean dishes by regional groups. As stated in the second story, South Korean territory can be divided into four regional groups. (Warning: following information is based on my own experience. It means there would be no information about North Korea.)

1.     First region is capital area includes Seoul, which is the capital of South Korea, and Gyeong-gi Province, and Chung-cheong Province. Because population of capital area is organized by so many people from all around Korean territory, you can easily find foods of other regional groups. However, those foods would be a little different from original ones because people in capital area add lesser salt to their foods than original ones. From more than thousand years ago, this area has been capital of previous dynasties of Korea. Thus, you can easily try the royal cuisine with small efforts.

2.     Second region is Gang-won Province. This regional group locates right on the Tae-baek Mts., the middle part of Baekdu-daegan. Because it mostly located on high mountains, people of this region were in short supply of food ingredients from many centuries ago. Thus, the food culture of this region concentrated on fresh vegetables. Furthermore, people of Gang-won Province add less salt to their foods for saving true flavors of those fresh vegetables. Eating those foods made by its fresh vegetables would be the greatest selection to try the original taste of Korean food ingredients.

3.     Jeon-la Province is the third regional group. It is located in southwestern side of overall Korean territory. This region is the widest breadbasket of Korea. In addition, this region has the most distinct change of weather by four seasons. Thus, people of this regional group tried to save the true flavors of foods to make the best tasting by the most appropriate seasoning in South Korea. Usually, Jeon-la Province is highly well-known for its great flavors of foods. If you want to try the best of Korean food, try those from Jeon-la Province.

4.     The last one is Gyeong-sang Province, which is the region where I came from. This regional group is located in southeastern side of Korean territory. Additionally, this group is very hot and humid region compared to other regional groups. Thus, people of this region added a lot of salt to its foods to prevent those from going bad. If you prefer to eat more seasoned, but more appetizing foods, try foods of Gyeong-sang Province.

Contrary to first two regions, Jeon-la and Gyeong-sang provinces are southern part of Korean territory. It would not be easy to go to those provinces. However, I strongly suggest you traveling those regions or trying foods of those regions. Those regions’ foods would make you satisfy enough. Thank you!!!

- S.Choi -