Korean cuisine is based on rice, vegetables, and meat. Traditional meals have many side dishes (banchan) that include kimchi. Ingredients and dishes vary by province. Commonly used ingredients include sesame oil, doenjang (fermented bean paste), soy sauce, salt, garlic, ginger, pepper flakes, and gochujang (fermented red chili paste). Many regional specialties have become national dishes and have been tweaked throughout the country. At the present time, Korean arts and culture are attracting many enthusiasts around the world. Korea’s cultural and artistic achievements through the ages are now leading many of its young talents to the world’s most prestigious music and dance competitions, while its literary works are being translated into many different languages for global readers.
