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The Two Foods Showing K-Food’s Wonderful Harmonization, Bibimbap and Tangpyeongchae! [Photo Essay Contest - Grand Prize Winner]

Published: 13 Mar. 2026, 17:50

by Kwon NaYool, Nae Jeong Elementary School

I have always loved eating K-food such as Bibimbap and Bulgogi. Later, I realized K-food can be divided into two; by traditional K-food, which includes Bibimbap and modern K-food that contains instant foods like fried chicken. However, I think Bibimbap and Tangpyeongchae are the most famous and nutritious K-food of all. Especially, Bibimbap is known by almost every country in the world.

First, Bibimbap is made by putting sliced vegetables, a fried egg and beef on rice then mixing the combination with sesame oil and red chili paste. It is famous for foreigners because it is convenient to eat and the balance of the taste and nutrients is similar. When I questioned myself for ideas about Bibimbap, I thought about Jeonju Bibimbap, which is the most famous Bibimbap in Korea. I suddenly became curious; why is Jeonju Bibimbap more popular than other Bibimbaps? Later when I searched it, I found there was a very proper reason. It was because Jeonju has fertile landscapes, is close to the sea, and has a lot of wild greens. Therefore, I realized Jeonju was the most appropriate landscape to make Bibimbap. Also, in the movie K-pop Demon Hunters, which is loved by foreigners, the three members of the girl group Huntrix ate Bibimbap to strengthen their resolve; to get rid of demons.

Next, Tangpyeongchae is made by a king, Yeongjoe of Josun. He made Tangpyeongchae because he wanted the four factions of his subjects to blend in and have the same thought; to make the land a better place to live for the people in Josun. Also, tangpyeongchae is made by smearing meat, vegetables and cheongpomuk with seaweed. Tangpyeongchae is famous because it has colors, white, red, green and black, which are the Westerners’, Southerners’, Easterners’, Northerners’ representing color. Tangpyeongchae symbolizes Yeongjoe’s intention to make the four factions of Josun to blend in.

These two foods commonly have ingredients that harmonize together. Also, the creator, especially King Yeongjoe who made Tangpyeongchae shows why he made it; to make the four factions of his land to blend in. The two foods are similar to the eating method, too. People have to mix the ingredients to eat, unless it does not make the taste compared to when they mix it. That way, people can learn that the ancient Koreans’ motto is “Blending in makes a big difference contrasted to not doing it.”

To conclude, I think K-food, especially Bibimbap and Tangpyeongchae which has ingredients that harmonize together is the merit of Korea. K-food is nutritious with a full balance of essential nutrients like Calcium and Protein. Also, the two foods are delicious, too. I am sure that every foreigner who comes to Korea will love those healthy, savory and traditional K-foods, Bibimbap and Tangpyeongchae!