Why Do Koreans Eat So Much?

Quick Summary

• Koreans have always been eating large portions.
• A kid with a big appetite is seen as blessed, and adults who eat well are assumed to be energetic.
• We take our meals seriously and eat three big meals a day.
• Koreans expect companies to provide free lunches, and dinner allowances for employees who work late.
• Drinking also means having large servings of food in Korea.

Koreans Have Always Had a Big Appetite.

Koreans have never been shy about eating large portions, and history backs this up.

In the Joseon Dynasty, kings ate five to six meals a day.

Even King Yeongjo, known for his moderation, reduced his meals from five to three a day. People were worried that he was eating too little.

Isabella Bird Bishop, a 19th-century British traveler, also noted Koreans’ impressive food consumption.

She wrote that Koreans could eat up to four pounds (1.8 kg) of rice daily. She also noted that “I have seen Koreans eat more than three pounds of solid meat at one meal.”

It wasn’t just the wealthy who ate well. Everyone, from nobles to commoners, took pride in hearty meals.

Eating Well Means Strength and Good Fortune.

When Korea was an agrarian society, eating well was associated with strength and hard work.

Even when I was growing up, parents encouraged children to eat a lot, considering it a sign of good fortune and vitality.

A kid with a big appetite was seen as blessed, and adults who ate well were assumed to be energetic and capable.

Even today, we embrace big meals, especially in social settings.

The exceptions are when someone needs to go on a diet for weddings or special events.

Eating a lot is good as long as they don’t give people an ick for being too greedy for food.

We Take Our Meals Seriously.

If you ask a Korean, “Do you eat to live?” or “Do you live to eat?” we’ll have a hard time answering that, because food is that important to us.

Unlike many Western countries where breakfast might be a light meal, we often eat a full spread of rice, soup, and side dishes in the morning.

Lunch is no different. Restaurants serve hearty meals that could easily pass for dinner in other cultures.

And dinner? That’s another feast.

Compared to other countries where portion sizes decrease throughout the day, Koreans maintain a steady intake across all meals.

You might be surprised to see that there are no strict meal categories in Korea. Dishes like kimchi jjigae, bulgogi, or bibimbap are enjoyed at any time of the day.

We Have a Unique Workplace Culture Featuring Snacks Everywhere.

Koreans take this eating culture to workplaces.

Most offices have well-stocked pantries with coffee, snacks, and even fruit.

Many companies provide free lunches, and dinner allowances for employees who work late.

Running out of snacks in an office can be considered a crisis, and job seekers often consider the quality of office snacks when choosing where to work.

Skipping a meal at work or social events can raise eyebrows. It’s not just about eating, but about connecting with others.

Eating Equals Caring.

In Korea, offering food is one of the most fundamental ways to show care and respect.

Parents constantly ask their children, “Did you eat?”

Friends order extra dishes, insisting you eat more.

Even in workplaces, senior employees treat their juniors to meals as a gesture of goodwill.

If a Korean hears someone say, “I worked overtime,” they might simply say, “It must have been hard,” with compassion.

However, if they hear someone say, “I worked overtime without eating,” they will react with rage, asking how a company could treat someone so badly just because they didn’t eat.

Drinking Means Eating In Korea.

Korea’s famous drinking culture also contributes to big eating habits.

Drinking sessions are rarely just about alcohol. They come with large servings of food!

Classic drinking foods like samgyeopsal (grilled pork belly), anju (snacks), and stews are meant to be eaten alongside soju and beer.

This combination often leads to overeating, as alcohol lowers inhibitions and increases appetite.

It’s no wonder many Korean guys develop a “soju belly” from years of eating and drinking.

How Are Koreans Changing?

Despite our history of large meals, things are changing.

With modern work schedules, many Koreans are eating fewer meals than before.

Instead of five meals a day, people stick to three, and sometimes even two.

Younger generations are more conscious of health and diet, focusing more on balanced meals and portion control.

But this doesn’t mean we’ve stopped enjoying food.

While meal sizes may have reduced slightly, the culture of gathering around food remains strong.

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So, why do Koreans eat so much?

It’s more than just hunger. It’s history, culture, social bonding, and appreciation for food.

When you find yourself at a Korean meal, don’t be shy and eat up!