The present study was carried out to assess the perception of entomophagy in the Korean population. 329 respondentsof varying age groups were included in a semi-structured questionnaire survey. Results revealed that altogether 88% ofthe respondents knew ‘entomophagy’ fully or partially which is higher than few other scientific reports examined consumeracceptance in different countries, probably suggesting a rich tradition of using insects for food and medicinal purposesin Korea. Males were found more inclined to accept insect as food while females were neophobic. A similar trend wasobserved in case of using insects as a food ingredient. Acceptance of insect as food and or food ingredients was foundmore among older people in comparison to younger people which could be presumably because of familiarity with ancestralknowledge. Taste or flavor was found the most important determinant factor followed by nutrition and environmental issues.The outcomes of the study advocate ‘awareness’ of food safety, environmental and health issues among consumers canbe an instrument for wide acceptance of entomophagy.

• Sampat Ghosh(Institute of Agriculture Science and Technology, Andong National University)
• So-Min Lee(Department of Plant Medicine, Andong National University)
• Chuleui Jung(Institute of Agriculture Science and Technology, Andong National University, Department of Plant Medicine, Andong National University)