The purpose of this study is to draw attention to the distinction of Korean food as well as to find ways to universalize Korean food. Not only does Korean food a big part of representing the Korean culture itself, the ingredients in the Korean food are extremely nutritious. The excellence in the ingredients has been verified through scientific studies over and over. Today, this is recognized widely by the food experts in the U.S. This study also points out some of the hurdles in universalizing Korean food. First of all, many people around the world are not aware of the positive aspects of the Korean food. There have been minimal efforts, if at all, to find ways to make fusion Korean food to be part of a world cuisine. The lack of research and development in the Korean food industry also does not help the situation much. Lastly, the limited knowledge of the actual people working in the food service sector regarding Korean food hinders the Korean food going universal. Currently, the food industry in the U.S. is quite favorable for Korean food to enter its markets to become part of the American cuisine. The Americans' appetite continues to change towards more healthy living leaning them naturally towards Asian food. For Korean food to become part of the American cuisine, the follow recommendations are given in the study: 1) Korean food must be localized, become a fusion cuisine; 2) standardize the cooking method; 3) change the focus to rice-centered trend food; 4) foster more Korean food experts; and, 5) promotion of strengthening food advertisements while increasing research and development. It is also important during this whole process, traditional Korean food be discovered and implemented to the overall food program in universalizing Korean food.

• 김재수 | Kim, Jae-Soo