KOREASCHOLAR

This study examined food sharing characteristics revealed in the modern Korean society by both interpreting phenomena and analyzing literature. Diet was said to be the least influenced by western modernization in Korea. Concerning this matter, one of the important explanations to be considered would be a strong influence of 'the first settlement effect' in culture, as reviewed elsewhere. Sharing food means not only sharing food itself but also sharing communal solidarity. The latter was strongly emphasized in Korean food culture due to his own historical grounding. Some examples revealed in current Korea included sometimes too much generous treat when eating out, even saliva allowed food sharing, too much food provision, and too many restaurants. 'Dutch treat' observed in many occasions of food sharing in Korea was also viewed as a product of historical experience, which was related to the degree of traits of feudalism in modern societies as feudalism was based on a sort of a give and take contract. The association of the degree of traits of feudalism and communal solidarity was explored by comparing so called different meal treat manners between Koreans and Japanese, that is, more generous attitude among the former. The concept of communal solidarity was also examined with respect to Koreans' side dish sharing behaviors which sometimes accompanied seemingly insanitary saliva sharing. In addition, provision of too much food was analyzed by relating this manner to a traditional 'hand over dining table' custom. Traditionally, food on a dining table was not supposed to be only for those sitting on the table. Even though the 'hand over dining table' was no longer well preserved at present time, its cultural traits appeared to be well prevailed in the modern Korean society. Finally, an increase of restaurants as well as an increase of eating out occasions were postulated with respect to the notion that restaurants were the places for ascertaining communal solidarity while sharing foods. The above analyses suggest the importance of the influence of sharing originated from his/her own historical grounding for better understanding of modern Korean food culture.

• 오세영 | Oh, Se-Young