Korean culture is comprised of a multitude of societal changes that have amounted and transformed throughout the years. Beginning five thousand years ago Korea has slowly evolved into a cultural haven. Music, dance, painting, food, fashion, arts, games, karate, family life, theater, religion and beliefs are just a few components that make up modern day Korean culture. Korean cuisine is one of the most unifying of all of these cultural factors. The food in Korea is one of the defining elements of Koreans culture because of its historical background, environmental affinities, long lasting creative techniques and recipes, and use in traditional ceremonies and festivals. Modern day cuisine in Korea is quite progressed from what it once started
After the Japanese occupation of Korea, the Cold War and the Korean War eventually separated Korea into North and South Korea. Because of this separation food became even scarcer than it previously had been during the Japanese period. Under President Park Chung Hee, industrialization was brought to Korea. Agricultural techniques completely changed with the advent of new machinery and other industrial concepts. Agriculture production was increased through the use of new equipment and commercialized fertilizers and nutrients. Thus in turn, the overall quality of all Korean food increased, including meats, dairy products, and vegetables.
Korean meals are comprised of rice, their staple ingredient, soup, and a variety of side dishes. Usually included in these side dishes is the use of vegetables, pork, poultry, and, more often than not, seafood. Being that Korea is a peninsula and surrounded by water, seafood is easily obtained to use in culinary dishes. The total coastline of Korea, including islands, is 17,270km. The coastline of Korea is filled with fishing villages that make a living by selling seafood. The East Sea, also known as the Sea of Japan, is full of migrating schools of fish whereas the inlets and bays are mostly packed with oyster beds. The west coast of the Korean peninsula has extremely shallow water and therefore fishing is done with traps. Often caught in these traps are mullet, shad, and corvenia. Fishermen in Korea even go as far as