In some ways, Korean food is similar to Japanese and Chinese cuisine. They all eat rice daily. However, there is one dish unique to Korea and that is kimchi. Koreans pickle vegetables rather than cook them. The pickled vegetables are called kimchi which Koreans eat every day. It may be served for breakfast, lunch or dinner. Any vegetable may be pickled but the ones most often used are cucumbers, cabbage, and turnips. When pickled, vegetables lose their natural flavor and taste like the seasoning. Many different seasonings are used. The most popular are fish sauces, onion, chili, garlic, and ginger.

Rice cakes, called Deok, are made for special occasions. Recipes, shapes, and colors differ throughout the country. Cakes also vary according to the occasion. Square cakes dipped in bean flour are often made for weddings and important birthdays such as the first or sixtieth.

Korean teens appreciate pizza and Coke however they are likely to choose prawn crackers (shrimp flavored) over Doritos and they enjoy different types of tea drinks. Teas are canned and bottled just as sodas are in the West.

Online Korean lessons for kids: dinolingo.com