Human intestinal flora is very diverse; with lactic acid bacteria (LAB) existing as part of the most vital gut microbes that improve host health. The application of LAB as a whole organism or its metabolite in the case of probiotic and bacteriocin respectively is extensive. Thus, the need to always bio-prospect for newer strains of LAB is essential. This study focused on isolating LAB from kunun-zaki and kindirmo, a fermented non-alcoholic beverage of non-dairy and dairy sources respectively, explored their physiological and biochemical properties, antibiotics sensitivity pattern and identified based on their 16S rRNA sequencing. A total of eighty isolates were selected sixty-six from kunun-zaki and fourteen from kindirmo in which 93.7% were bacilli and 6.3% were spherical in shape having 68.75% and 30% homofermentative and heterofermentative pathway respectively. All isolates have the ability to utilize glucose to produce lactic acid while their tolerance to pH 3 and salt concentration at 2%, 4% and 6.5% varied widely. Thirty-four isolates based on their physiological and biochemical properties were selected for molecular identification to ascertain their genera and species. Limosilactobacillus fermentum (68%); Lactiplantibacillus plantarum (6%) and Weissella confusa (3%) were confirmed species isolated. Thus, it was concluded that traditional fermented foods such as kunun-zaki and kindirmo are a good source to bio-prospect for LAB for product development, starter culture and probiotic study.

This study evaluated the degree of harmony of food pairing with Korean traditional liquors according to the taste and flavor. In-depth interviews were performed with eight experts from May 7 to 17, 2016, to screen Korean traditional liquor and food. For traditional liquor, Sanseong-makgeolli, Hansansogokju, Damsol, Gamhongro, and Andong Soju were chosen. For foods, pan-fried beef, squid with vinegar dressing, clam soup, honey-filled rice cake, prune, grilled mushroom, Swiss cheese, pistachio, honey, and chocolate cake were chosen. Harmonization of the analytical results Sanseong-makgeolli, between honey and Pan-fried Beef achieved the most harmonious results. Hansansogokju with honey and prune were harmonious. Damsol and Gamhongro, which are distilled liquor and containing added ingredients, were perfect matched with chocolate cake and squid with vinegar dressing. In the degree of harmony between Andong Soju and food, it was confirmed that squid vinegar and Swiss cheese were the most harmonious. Through the results of this study, it was found that the degree of harmony with food was different depending on the characteristics of alcoholic beverages. In addition, it is believed that not only taste and flavor, but also the alcohol content of alcoholic beverages will play an important role in the harmony with food.

In this study, thirty-eight lactic acid bacteria (LAB) strains were isolated from Kimchi (Korean traditional fermented food) and screened for probiotic characterization in a series of in vitro tests, including resistance to low pH, tolerance to bile salts, hydrophobicity, antibiotic resistance and antioxidant activity. Firstly, twenty-two strains displayed survival in acid and bile passage conditions. Secondly, the strains KCCP 11349 and KCCP 11356 were observed to have high cell surface hydrophobicity with 63.9 and 98.8 %, respectively. Functionality of these potential probiotic isolates was supported by their antioxidant activity. Altogether, the strain KCCP 11349 showed characteristics similar to or even better than reference strain Lactobacillus rhamnosus GG. Finally, 16S rRNA gene sequencing was conducted to identify potential probiotic strains and KCCP 11349 was identified as Lactobacillus plantarum subsp. plantarum.

This study focused the recognition and preference of Korean traditional food of elementary school students, in order to make effective educational materials about Korean traditional foods for the elementary school students. According to the responses of 356 elementary school students participating in this research, they understood the concept of traditional Korean food and recognized positively, but did not have much interest. However, the more they liked Korean food, the higher their interest in Korean traditional foods and the higher utilization rates of Korean traditional foods. Most elementary school students enjoyed Korean traditional food occasionally, especially soup, jjigae, tang and jeongol. Elementary school students suggested that complicated recipes should be improved for the succession of Korean traditional foods and that the class for cooking traditional foods in schools should be expanded.

This study was undertaken to examine the knowledge about food culture and intakes of traditional food in Korean and Japanese elementary school students. In 2012 and 2013, a total of 265 students were surveyed, consisting of 73 Korean fifth graders and 192 Japanese sixth graders. The questionnaire comprised of queries on general items, the recognition and sampling of traditional and celebration foods, the knowledge about the partner country's food culture, and the frequency of consuming the partner country's foods. As a result of this study, the frequency of consuming their own country's traditional foods for Korean children (3.1 out of 5.0 points) and Japanese children (3.2 out of 5.0 points) was similar to each other. Japanese children reported to eat Korean foods (2.9 points) more frequently than those of Korean children to eat Japanese foods (2.4 out of 5.0 points) (p<0.001). However, the Korean children reported to have more experience on given typical Japanese foods than Japanese children reported about Korean foods. Further studies are needed for the perception on traditional foods in Korean and Japanese children. The results of this study can be used as a basic data to succeed and develop traditional food cultures.

In this study, characteristics and immuno-modulatory effects of Weissella cibaria JW15 isolated from Kimchi, traditional Korean fermented food, were examined for investigation of the capacity of potentially probiotic strains. We measured acid, bile, and heat tolerance, adhesive properties to intestinal epithelial cells, and inhibitory activity against pathogens. JW15 could survive at pH 3.0 for 2 hr, but not at pH 2.0. JW15 also showed tolerance to 0.3% oxgall bile salt, and heat tolerance at 70°C and 80°C for 5 min, respectively. Adhesive ability to Caco-2 cells was similar to that of Lactobacillus rhamnosus GG (LGG), a well-known commercial probiotic. JW15 exhibited antimicrobial activities to pathogenic bacteria such as Escherichia coli, Listeria monocytogenes, Staphylococcus aureus, and Salmonella enteritidis. The immuno-modulatory effects of JW15 were compared with those of LGG, a well-known immune enhancer. For analysis, production of nitric oxide (NO), NF-κB (Nuclear factor κB), Interleukin-1β (IL-1β), and tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α) was measured. The concentration of NO induced by JW15 was higher than that by LGG at low concentration (1 × 107 cfu/mL). Low and high (5 × 107 CFU/mL) concentration of JW15 induced statistically higher production of NF-κB, IL-1β, and TNF-α than that produced by LGG, respectively. In conclusion, Weissella cibaria JW15 had ability as a probiotic strain, including acid, bile, and heat tolerance, adhesive properties to intestinal epithelial cells, and inhibitory activity against pathogens. In addition, JW15 showed better immuno-modulatory effects than LGG when NO, NF-κB, IL-1β, and TNF-α were measured. According to these results, the characteristics and immunomodulating activity of Weissella cibaria JW15 are suitable for consideration as a potential probiotic.

This study examines the awareness of traditional Korean food culture among immigrant housewives in multicultural families, with the aim of introducing educational plans suitably designed for them. Our survey shows that Korean traditional holidays most well-known to the immigrant housewives are New Year's Day and Chusuk. Sambok and Chusuk are at the top in terms of preference. Samgyetang, Ddukguk, and Ogokbab are among the best known festive food to immigrant housewives for holidays such as New Year's Day, Jeongwol Daeboreum, Sambok, Chusuk, and Dongji; Samgyetang is the most preferred food, followed by Ddukguk and Patjuk. In addition, a vast majority of immigrant housewives who have ever attended Korean traditional cuisine education programs found the need for such an experience, with the score of 4.16 out of 5. In addition, the survey shows the order in which the immigrant housewives want to learn: the recipe of Korean food (53.5%), followed by table setting and manners (16.5%) and then nutrition (15%). The recipe of interest for most respondents is the one concerning daily food (69.5%). And more than half of the respondents prefer cooking practice as a desirable educational method. The difficulties that they have when attending such an educational course are usually inability to understand the language, difficulty in identifying the ingredients (seasonal), and lack of cultural understanding. The most preferred educational method is direct lecture (71.5%), followed by written materials such as books and newspaper (10.5%) and the Internet (9.5%). Finally, strategies for promoting traditional food culture are suggested as following: developing educational resources (31.5%), making various educational programs more available (25%), narrowing the cultural gap (22%), and improving the educational environment (21.5%). Therefore, this study proposes that there is a need to develop and diffuse Korean traditional food culture first, and then provide many immigrant housewives with a variety of educational programs. It is expected that these efforts will solve the problems caused by cultural differences in the early stage of international marriages and eventually contribute to the harmony in multicultural families.

This study investigated the interrelations among acculturative stress, recognition, preference and eating frequency of Korean traditional food by Chinese students in Korea. The acculturative stress score was 3.06±0.32, ‘homesickness’ score was the highest (3.92±0.62) and ‘guiltscore’ score was the lowest (2.28±1.04). The rate of preferred for Korean food was low (20.5%). The places for eating Korean food were ‘restaurant’ (49.6%) and ‘school cafeteria’ (41.1%). The cooking experience regarding Korean food was 45.0% and they had cooked ‘Bulgogi’ (26.7%) and ‘Bibimbap’ (21.9%). The recognition score for Korean traditional food was 0.70±0.27. The preference score for Korean traditional food was 3.14±0.54, and the favorite foods were ‘Galbi’ and ‘Galbitang’ while ‘Ggakdugi’ was the lowest. The eating frequency for Korean traditional food was 2.15±0.82, and ‘Baechukimchi’ and ‘Bibimbap’ were comparatively high. The acculturative stress showed no correlation with the recognition, preference and eating frequency of Korean traditional food. The recognition of Korean traditional food correlated positively with the eating frequency (r=0.175, p<0.05). The preference of Korean traditional food had a significant effect on eating frequency (r=0.274, p<0.001), and the highest positive correlation was shown in ‘Ddeokbokki’ (r=0.470). The explanation power (R2) of recognition and preference on eating frequency was 0.098. This study showed the interrelations among recognition, preference, and eating frequency of Korean traditional food except for acculturative stress.

This study summarized findings from an investigation into the awareness and evaluation of traditional foods among 197 male and female university students in the Chungnam area. The results were as follows. Regarding awareness of cooktable setting of traditional foods, 44.67% (88 students) of subjects answered that they had little knowledge. Female students showed a significantly high level of awareness of cooktable setting (p<0.05). Regarding the taste of traditional foods, 64.97% (128 students) of subjects responded appropriately. Regarding the necessity for partial development of traditional foods into a modern style, 61.90% (52 students) of male subjects and 84.96% (96 students) of female subjects were in agreement (p<0.01). Regarding the necessity for traditional food education, 77.16% (152 students) were in agreement, especially female students (86.73%, 98 students) showed considerably higher consent (p<0.05). For the assessment of traditional foods, nutrition (4.57 scores), taste (4.31 scores), and appearance (4.26 scores) were very highly assessed, whereas cookery (3.30 scores) and economic aspects (3.04 scores) scored relatively lower. Traditional desserts were recognized as routine and modern by male students. On the other hand, girls recognized desserts as traditional (p<0.05). Accordingly, we must preserve and pass down Korean traditional foods by increasing awareness through education or experience as well as through planning better cookery and economical aspects by applying certain standards for traditional foods.

This study, adult men and women who live in Seoul with 100 people a dietary habit and eating traditional foods, traditional foods and recipes of the characteristics, educational experience and educational demand for traditional foods were investigated. Korean traditional food usually eaten in the usual (37.2%) and holidays(30.2 percent) to eat. Korean traditional food to eat because we did not have time reduction(38.4%), cooking methods is difficult(30.2%), mainly to select the menu when eating out, traditional food in Korea(58.1 percent). Korea traditional food with a traditional culture of Korea has developed dishes (45.3%), the food here is that we use most often(22.2%), Korea's unique attributes of traditional food deserves world-class(74.4%), nutritionally balanced, healthy foods (72.1%) and showed that recognition. Korean traditional food needs of education(62.8%) and the traditional excellence of the food(33.7%) and Korea traditional food culture and to develop succession (27.9%), traditional food for healthy eating awareness training was needed.

This study analyzed Korean traditional foods and western foods in the field of 'dietary life' in Practical Arts curriculums, and developed the fusion-food cooking activity program for elementary school students. Firstly, potatoes, dumplings coated with bean paste, simple side dishes are discussed in the first curriculum. The second curriculum discussed only traditional foods and the third curriculum considered more traditional foods than western foods including bread. From the fourth curriculum to the sixth, traditional foods were mainly discussed and both traditional foods and western foods were mentioned evenly in the seventh and revised 2007's curriculum. Secondly, this study developed 'fusion-food cooking activity' program which helps students not only to learn the meaning, kinds, history, and related customs of Korean traditional foods; kimchi, Korean pizza, rice cake, but also to learn and practice cooking fusion-foods covering traditional foods.In conclusion, it can be assumed that the 'fusion-food cooking activity' program developed in this study improves interest in Korean traditional foods amongst elementary school students, and helps students to understand the reputation and value of traditional foods. Therefore fusion-foods cooking activity containing traditional foods which are not discussed in this study should be studied and developed more in the future.

The origin of Korean traditional food's spicy taste dates back to the first telling of the Dangun myth-a story of a tiger and bear who tried to reincarnate themselves in human form by eating garlic and wormwood. For a long time, Koreans have eaten spicy vegetables such as green onion, garlic, ginger, mustard, leeks, corni, cinnamon bark, and Chinese peppers (Zanthoxylum schinfolium) and Zanthoxylum bungeanum. In prehistoric times, spicy vegetables were probably used to eliminate the smell of meat. In the agricultural age, they were used to supplement meals with fresh taste. They were also used as a substitute for salt (salt was very precious and expensive) as well as side dishes for the poor. Spicy vegetables have also been used as a substitute for main dish like medicinal gruel and used to increase the spiciness of soup, and they are usually used as a side dish and with condiments in namul (cooked vegetable dishes), sangchae (salad), ssam (wrapped in greens and garnished with red-pepper paste or other condiments) and Kimchi. In addition, chili pepper was introduced to the Korean Peninsula in the middle of the Joseon Dynasty (mid-15th, 16th century). The soil and climate of the Korean Peninsula are suitable to growing chili pepper, and chili pepper has excellent adaptability and productivity. Accordingly, it is processed to red pepper powder and has become a major part of traditional Korean food along with Chinese pepper. Since the Joseon Dynasty, many kinds of Kimchi made with red pepper powder have been developed, and most Koreans enjoy them these days. The main characteristics of Korean food are spiciness and honest-to-goodness taste.

This study attempted to understand the perception and the degree of trust that consumers had in the national agricultural food accreditation system, to inquire into and examine the consumers' perception of traditional food quality certification performed for the protection of excellent traditional food, and to propose the right direction for the policies on the traditional food quality certification system and the plans to improve consumers' perception of the system. According to the results of this survey performed in married women, based on the 'the recognition of accreditation system' and 'the recognition of certification marks' of 'the seventh national agricultural food accreditation system' presently being used by the Ministry for Food, Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries, the household food purchasers showed high recognition for eco-friendly agricultural product accreditation, processed food KS certification, and organically processed food certification in that order. Meanwhile, it was shown that they indicated low recognition for the traditional food-related accreditation systems such as 'traditional food quality certification' and 'food grand master'. It was found that reliability of the certification mark provided by the agricultural food accreditation system gained 3.54 points (on a 5-point scale), and 68.1% of the study subjects referred to the certification marks while purchasing agricultural foods. And most of them answered to the question of 'why they referred to the certification marks' saying that it was done 'to choose safe food'. The most frequent answer to question of 'the means to recognize the traditional food quality certification system' was 'broadcasting, advertising'. 57.3% of the subjects had a previous experience of buying a product certified by the traditional food quality certification system, and 93.2% of all the subjects had the intention to buy a product certified by the traditional food quality certification system later. And most of them answered that 'strengthening government policies' would be the most ideal way to inform the public of the traditional food quality certification system. According to the results of this study, while 'relying on the traditional food quality certification system in general' was relatively high among the consumers, 'intention to buy quality certified products by visiting a distantly located store' was low; thus, from this analysis, it can be seen that there is a need for diversification of places selling these quality certified products and to establish a distribution network for these products.

김치 및 젓갈 등의 150여 전통 발효 식품을 시료로 하여 protease 활성을 갖는 유산균을 분리한 결과, 24 U/mgcrude protein의 높은 활성을 갖는 젖산균 BV-26 균주을 분리하였다. API 50CHL kit를 이용하여 BV-26 균주의 당 이용성을 분석하고 16S rRNA 염기서열(99.9% 상동성)을 비교한 결과, 분리된 균주를 L. plantarum BV-26으로 표기하였다. L. plantarum BV-26의 생장과 protease 활성 변화를 MRS 배지를 이용하여 측정한 결과, L. plantarum BV-26의 생장은 배양 6시간 이후 활발하게 진행되어 18시간에 최고의 균체 농도를 보였으며, protease 활성은 배양 후 12시간부터 생성되기 시작하여 16시간에서 최고의 활성을 나타내는 것으로 확인되었다. 따라서 본 연구에서 분리된 L. plantarum BV-26을 동물사료의 발효용 스타터로 이용할 경우 유산균이 갖는 유익한 장점 및 안전성을 확보할 수 있을 뿐만 아니라, 특히 대두박의 발효시 사료의 영양적 가치를 높일 수 있을 것으로 기대된다.