Boasting the Food of the Eight Provinces
Interesting Food Stories Boasting the Food of the Eight Provinces People usually say “Paldo Gangsan” to represent the eight regions that constitute the Korean Peninsula. These regions are, “Gyeonggi- do,” “Gangwon-do,” “Chungcheong-do,” “Jeolla-do,” “Gyeongsang-do,” “Hwanghae-do,” “Pyeongan-do,” “Hamgyeong-do,” and each has their own cultural distinctions. Now, shall we further explore the differences in the food among the eight regions? Seoul, Gyeonggi-do Seoul has long been the capital of Korea, a place for many noblemen who considered formality and stylishness to be important. The people of Seoul are often referred to as “ggakjaengi,” which means they are particularly difficult to please. Interestingly, the food they cook shows us much about the characteristics of the Seoul noblemen. Food cooked in Seoul is not too salty or overly spicy. The most famous products of the Gyeonggi area are Icheon rice, and “samgyetang (chicken broth with ginseng),” “bulgogi (barbecued beef),” “sinseonlo (brass chafing dish),” and “seolleongtang (beef soup with rice).” Chungcheong-do “Chungcheong-do” has smooth mountains and a gentle climate that probably accounts for the people's slow speaking style and firm personality. The people from other areas tend to make fun of the general slowness of the people of Chungcheong-do. “Chungcheong-do” dishes are not regionally distinctive, but they are clean, simple, and delicious. “Cheonggukjang (fast fermented soybean paste stew),” “dotorimuk (acorn jello),” and “hodugwaja (small walnut- flavored cake)” of Cheonan are the representative dishes of this area. Seafood such as shrimp, oyster, and crab are also seasonally provided from the Yellow Sea. Jeolla-do “Jeolla-do” has abundant crops and seafood compared to the other regions.
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