Korean food for thought

According to the UN’s World Population Prospects: The 2012 Revision, people living in the Republic of Korea would someday outlive every other person around the world.

The average life expectancy of Koreans today is 81.4 years, which ranks us 17th in the world. By 2050, Korea will be at 2nd place, where the people will live up to 89 years on average. Between 2095-2100, however, the UN report predicts that Korea, whose people are expected to live up to 95.5 years, will be ranked first globally.

This change may be due to improvements in health care or medical advances, but I personally believe that good nutrition plays a big part in the longevity of any person. Korean food, in particular, is indeed a very healthy cuisine.

The typical Korean fare consists of vegetables and grains, as well as some meat and fish, which are more often steamed or grilled than deep-fried. Food preparation reflects every Korean’s respect for family — this entails taking care of the body through a healthy lifestyle. Minimal salt, sugar and oil are used in every dish to preserve the nutrients of the ingredients.

Kimchi, the national dish of Korea, exemplifies this healthy practice. The combination of fermented vegetables like napa cabbage, radish, scallion, and cucumber, with some red chili, creates a unique dish that is not only tasty but also healthy in that it aids in digestion. Beef bulgogi is also very popular, both in Korea and in the Philippines. This is not surprising at all, because grilled marinated beef really tastes good.

As a Korean in the Philippines, I have been exposed to many of the exquisite dishes offered on the Filipino table. I cannot help but draw on some similarities and contrasts between the kind of taste I have acquired from childhood, and that which I have been experiencing here.

I am happy that Korean food is gaining popularity in the Philippines. Many people are realizing that it is very healthy and nutritious. For instance, bibimbap, which many of my Filipino friends consider a complete meal, is a mixture of steamed rice, vegetables, sometimes with meat, topped with egg, and best eaten with gochujang or hot pepper paste.

In my visits to some of the provinces in the Philippines, I have found some local foods that are similar to Korean cooking.

The local sticky rice cakes, for example, are nearly the same as what we have in Korea, only sweeter. Japchae, another popular Korean dish, is very similar to sotanghon, which also makes use of cellophane noodles. Fans of K-Pop who delight in japchae will have a double treat after watching the amusing video of Super Junior’s Eun Hyuk promoting his favorite japchae.

With growing appreciation for Korean food, more restaurants are being opened in the country. In Manila alone, there are about 200 Korean food establishments. And with the greater demand for Korean cuisine in the Philippines and other parts of the world, more culinary schools are opening to train young aspiring chefs in the art of Korean cooking.

While I love to try different flavors in the world, I am happy to enjoy the benefits of my native cuisine, and I hope more Filipinos will do the same, especially for better health.

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(Hyuk Lee is the Ambassador of South Korea.)