Rice is the backbone of almost every South Korean meal although occasionally noodles can replace the rice. Typically, every person has his or her own bowl of rice and soup. For a family meal there are two to three side dishes (for larger gatherings 12 or more) with one of them being kimchi and a main dish or dishes which can be meat, seafood or tofu. These are all served family style, in the middle of the table. If a large stew happens to be the main dish, it is also served family style. Everything, including meat and poultry, is cut into bite-sized pieces so there is no need for a knife.

The meal is traditionally eaten with stainless steel chopsticks and a long stainless steel spoon. Korean cuisine, intensely flavored, savory and bold, is considered as some of the healthiest food on earth with an emphasis on vegetables, meats cooked simply and without much oil, and a near obsession with fermented vegetable kimchi. 

All of these traditions, their love for the church, and t...