Michelle CP#4

Date: February 7, 2017
Time: Noon
Location: Dirac Starbucks
Topic discussed:The relationship between different features of culture

Lesson Learned:

Because of the overwhelming influence that American culture has had on Korean society, many Korean perspectives have begun to shift to reflect those of the American culture. However, there are still many things that distinguish Koreans from Americans.

One of the most interesting things I learned today was about the relationship between religious/spiritual beliefs and food. My conversation partner noted that Koreans have distinguished 24 smaller seasons related to agriculture and the lunar calendar. Amongst them, there are two days in which Koreans celebrate the longest day and the longest night of the year. On the longest night (in winter) the people will eat a red-bean soup called patjuk (sorry if i misspelled this). The significance of the soup is related to the color red, which is supposed ward off evil spirits. During the longest day (in summer), to overcome heat, the people will eat chicken soup or dog. Dog is starting to become less common these days due to the increased stigma.

Interestingly enough, I thought that eating dog was a myth made up by those who were culturally insensitive. So this fact has expanded my perspective on the Korean culture. Although I am fond of my dog, I can understand eating dogs because they are common and an alternative source of protein. It is easiest to equate these eating habits with those of an Southern American culture who eat opposums, squirrels, or frogs.