Guess the five major foods of Korea.

by yu1119 on 2008-07-25 09:14:49

The five cardinal colors manifested in Korean cuisine symbolize meanings of peace and harmony. These colors not only represent the directions but also symbolize the four seasons, acting as the axis that guides the transition of time. Moreover, these five colors also symbolize the five tastes: yellow represents saltiness, blue/green represents sourness, white represents sweetness, red represents bitterness, and black represents spiciness.

However, the five colors and five tastes, existing within the same space, achieve a state of harmony through the preparation of dishes and their arrangement on the same dining table. This fully reveals the essence of Korea's traditional food culture. The Korean people, when preparing meals, dedicate all their effort to achieving the harmony of the five cardinal colors, while also displaying a humble attitude of adhering to the principles of the universe and nature.