The purpose of this study was to identify the dimensions and patterns of the perception of Korean traditional food and to find the determinants of the patterns between Korean and Yanbian housewives, taking food culture into account. Data were factor and cluster analyzed, and the results revealed two and three different dimensions and patterns for Yanbian and Korean housewives respectively. Descriptive statistics showed that perceptional patterns are likely to vary depending on cultural background of Korean traditional food. Similarities and differences in perceptional patterns between Yanbian and Korean housewives are discussed, and future implications for food as well as nutrition specialists and food marketers are provided.

The survey was made to learn Yanbian Korean housewives' knowledge of Korean traditional holidays and foods. The questionaires were answered by 143 Korean housewives living in Yanbian region. The results are summarized below. 1. 94.6% of the respondents acknowledge that the Korean traditional holidays should be inherited. And 47.0% of them answered that the Korean traditional foods should be inherited as they have been, but 51.0% replied that the traditional foods need to be slightly modified. 2. The percentages of those who have knowledge of the Korean traditional holidays are 98.7% for Seolnal, 97.3% for Chusuk, 96.6% for Jongwol Daeborum, 94.6% for Dongji, 90.6% for Dano. However, the percentages of those who know about Jungyangjeol, Yudeu, Muojeol and Samjitnal are lower than 10%. 3. Regarding the Korean traditional foods, more than 80% of the respondents have knowledge of Naeongmyun (96.6%), Gejangguk (94.0%), SiruD'ock (94.0%), Ogokbab (87.2%), Mulmandu (86.6%), Patjuk (94.0%), and D'ockguk (82.6%). And Naeongmyun, Mulmandu, Gejangguk, Kalgulksu were consumed most frequently. 4. It is found that Kimchi (97.9%), Soy-sauce (88.4%), and Sseokjang (72.6%), Hot-pepper paste (69.1%) are mostly made at home. The number in the parenthesis indicates the percentage of those who make the food at home.