I received a great question from someone on YouTube about Koreans and whether or not they diet. What is Korean food like? What's happening here in this rapidly changing nation?
South Korea has experienced incredible economic growth in its recent history. It wasn't too long ago that South Korea was considered one of the Four Asian Tigers (Hong Kong, Singapore, Taiwan, and South Korea). That is, nations that showed incredible economic growth throughout the mid to late 1990s. These countries, once well behind the world economically, rose from their dreary situation to become powerhouses on the global economic front.
Whew, that was a heavy intro...!
Well, most Americans can attest to what happens when a nation obtains economic strength and status. We get fat and lazy!! Ok, maybe not quite that bad, but it's safe to say there is evidence that some smidgen of truth is in that last statement. So it will go for the Asian Tigers.
Asia is an interesting place for many reasons. One reason is that there is great contrast between the old and the new. This is very different than the US because our country is still very young.
In the larger cities throughout Asia, it isn't hard to find your share of Starbucks, Dunkin Donuts,and Mickey D's popping up left and right. Oh, and KFC too! At the same time, the traditional food is still well in tact and treasured. It's very indicative of the culture.
These fast food "restaurants" affect a society. There's no argument on that. This is true in South Korea as well. Combined with a diet heavy on rice consumption, the people are showing early signs of a westernized waistline.
It's food that plays the biggest role in one's appearance. So how are Koreans eating these days? Do they diet? Will they have a Korean version of "The Biggest Loser" soon?
I vlog on this topic to answer the user-submitted questions. I hope you enjoy!
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South Korea has experienced incredible economic growth in its recent history. It wasn't too long ago that South Korea was considered one of the Four Asian Tigers (Hong Kong, Singapore, Taiwan, and South Korea). That is, nations that showed incredible economic growth throughout the mid to late 1990s. These countries, once well behind the world economically, rose from their dreary situation to become powerhouses on the global economic front.
Whew, that was a heavy intro...!
Well, most Americans can attest to what happens when a nation obtains economic strength and status. We get fat and lazy!! Ok, maybe not quite that bad, but it's safe to say there is evidence that some smidgen of truth is in that last statement. So it will go for the Asian Tigers.
Asia is an interesting place for many reasons. One reason is that there is great contrast between the old and the new. This is very different than the US because our country is still very young.
In countries like China, Japan, and even South Korea, one can see a vast depth of history conflicting with the emerging technology and growth of today. This includes FOOD.
In the larger cities throughout Asia, it isn't hard to find your share of Starbucks, Dunkin Donuts,and Mickey D's popping up left and right. Oh, and KFC too! At the same time, the traditional food is still well in tact and treasured. It's very indicative of the culture.
These fast food "restaurants" affect a society. There's no argument on that. This is true in South Korea as well. Combined with a diet heavy on rice consumption, the people are showing early signs of a westernized waistline.
It's food that plays the biggest role in one's appearance. So how are Koreans eating these days? Do they diet? Will they have a Korean version of "The Biggest Loser" soon?
I vlog on this topic to answer the user-submitted questions. I hope you enjoy!
