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The philosophy of the five elements in Korean cuisine.
Since ancient times, Koreans have studied food and drink very carefully. For them, cuisine is not just about daily eating, but also about health, happiness, and especially healing.
Korean culinary art places great emphasis on the principles of Yin and Yang and the Five Elements, and this is clearly reflected in their dishes. They believe a meal should contain all five elements: metal, wood, water, fire, and earth – each with its own symbolic meaning. More specifically, this ensures the harmonious balance of Yin and Yang in the food; maintains Yin and Yang balance within the body; and ensures the Yin and Yang balance between humans and the natural environment.
Koreans place great importance on meals.
Furthermore, the locals believe that delicious food isn't about gourmet dishes, but about being healthy. For example, kimchi, although made only from vegetables, contains dozens, even hundreds, of different varieties to ensure it enhances the health of those who eat it.
The Five Elements in Korean Daily Meals
The five elements are: metal, wood, water, fire, and earth. The complete combination of the five elements in cuisine not only helps to harmonize yin and yang but also helps to balance all things.
Simply put, when you're sick, it means your yin and yang are out of balance. Your meals should be supplemented with foods corresponding to the "element" your body is lacking, thereby curing the illness caused by the food itself. In the human body, the five elements represent five main organs: kidneys, liver, heart, stomach, and lungs, all essential for survival.
Kimchi is an indispensable side dish in Korean family meals. It is considered the "national dish" that has made the country famous.
The best way to create balance in the body is to eat a variety of foods corresponding to the five tastes: salty, sour, bitter, sweet, and spicy.
Foods belonging to the Water element: salty and dark-colored foods, such as purple, black, or green foods. Foods in this group include black beans, black sesame seeds, black rice, seaweed, and wood ear mushrooms. These foods promote moisture, soothe the body, and improve kidney and bladder function.
Foods belonging to the Wood element: sour foods and those that are mostly green. Green foods often include cucumbers, zucchini, scallions, asparagus, cabbage... and various fruits. These foods are good for the liver and intestines.
Gimbap is a traditional Korean dish.
Foods associated with the Fire element: these foods are often spicy and red in color. Additionally, lamb, venison, dandelion and watercress, tomatoes, citrus peels, apricots, plums, raspberries, strawberries, peppers, hot peppers, black pepper, wine, beer, coffee, tea, dark chocolate, and carbonated drinks are all foods representing the Fire element. These foods can reduce heat and dry fluids. They are suitable for overweight individuals, as they help nourish the blood and promote better blood circulation.
Foods associated with the Earth element: sweet and starchy foods, especially those in yellow and orange. Additionally, beef, barley, pumpkin, sweet potatoes, soybeans, eggs, and other tropical fruits are beneficial. These foods slow acute symptoms, neutralize toxins, help the pancreas and stomach function properly, and stimulate appetite.
Abalone porridge - a nutritious Korean dish.
Foods associated with the Metal element: white foods. The color white is linked to lung function, which is why people often eat white radish, bellflower root, and soybean sprouts to prevent colds. Other foods associated with this color include rice (an indispensable staple in Korean meals), onions, garlic, potatoes, lotus root, etc. These foods help to disperse and promote energy flow.
According to Korean beliefs, if a dish contains all five elements (water, fire, wood, metal, and earth), it is not only delicious and provides the body with the necessary nutrients, but also offers health benefits. Dishes that adhere to the philosophy of the five elements are believed to embody water, fire, wood, metal, and earth. As a result, people absorb the essence of nature, which is then absorbed into the body after consumption.
This mixed rice dish combines the black color of beef, the red of chili peppers and carrots, the green of vegetables and cucumber, the white of rice, and finally, the yellow of the egg.
Korean cuisine is deeply rooted in the five elements, especially in its famous dishes. A prime example is kimbap (rice rolls), which adheres to the philosophy of the five colors: black from seaweed, red from carrots, green from cucumber, white from rice, and yellow from egg. A dish with such strong traditional and symbolic significance is further enhanced by this principle.
South Korea is a country where tradition and modernity intertwine. If you are a fan of Korean cuisine, then eating based on the five elements will give you a fascinating experience of the culinary culture of this land of kimchi.
