HANSIK TABLE SETTING AND DINING ETIQUETTE
The Hansik table setting: The traditional Hansik table setting ( bansang ) includes rice and side dishes ( banchan) that
are served together. Boiled rice or grain (bap) is the main dish which is
accompanied by side dishes (banchan) of prepared vegetables, meat, fish, etc
Spoon and chopsticks: the spoon is used for
soup and rice and chopsticks are used for the side dishes. The proper way to
use chopsticks is by holding them between the thumb and middle finger. It is
improper to hold the spoon and chopsticks together.
Soups and stews: Hot soups and stews should
be eaten slowly without making noise. Small amounts of soupy dishes such as
water Kimchi or stews are ladled into individual bowls.
Noodle Soups : Care should be taken to eat
noodle soup dishes without making too much noise. Garnishes or seasonings
should not be picked out and eaten separately.
Desserts: Korean confectionery (hangwa) or
rice cakes ( tteok) are usually served with punch or tea at the end of a meal.
The saucer and cup should be held together and the tea or punch should be
quietly sipped from the cup.
Although Hansik should be fully enjoys, it
is bad manners to play with chopsticks or use it for any other purpose than
eating. Hansik is to be consumed with a feeling of gratitude to those who
toiled to prepare the meal.
