“Let food be thy medicine and medicine be thy food”
—Hippocrates
A nutritious diet is essential for our bodies. Our body gets vital vitamins,minerals and nutrients from food. It requires energy,development and good health maintenance. Lunch time in South Korean schools is a prime illustration of this.
Evolution Of South Korea’s School Meal Program
- 1953: During a dire food crisis following the Korean War,the program started with donation of milk powder for elementary school students.
- 1972: A school meal program with an emphasis on bread-centered meals was started in rural Korea.
- 1980: All low income students were given free lunches in 1980 as part of the free school meal program(FSMP).
- Early 2010: The free school Meal Program(FSMP)started to grow,giving all students not just those from low income families-free school lunches.
Distinguished former Korean parliamentarian Kim Choon-Jin,who started Korea’s Universal Free School meal program,has underlined the government’s dedication to knowledge while studying other nations.
Criteria of nutrition during lunchtime
Strict government regulations in South Korea dictate that school lunches must include traditional,fresh food that are high in nutrients. Actually,it appears to differ by area and time of year.
- Supplying wholesome, high-protein meals that are rich in calcium, vitamins, minerals and other nutrients to enhance students’ overall health.
- Encouraging students to eat healthier Korean food and to receive an education of the same caliber.
Lists Of Nutritionally Balanced Meal:
- Rice:–The fundamental components of carbohydrates,typically stream-cooked.
Ex- Black rice, Corn rice, Sesame rice, Multigrain rice etc.
- Soup or Stew:- While it is low in calories,it is high in fiber,minerals and hydration.
Especially seafood soup which is rich in iron,calcium,vitamin C and iodine.
Ex-Fish cake soup, Beef stew, Tofu soup,Dumpling soup etc.
- Main dish(Protine):- A protein rich dish such as meat,fish,eggs,tofu or beans.
Ex-Braised pork ribs, Braised chicken, Quail eggs, Stir fried beef etc.
- Side dish:-
- Vegatable:- Additionally,vegetable side dishes are necessary. It has high levels of potassium,vitamins A and C and antioxidants.
Ex- Sigeunchi Namul,Oi Muchim,Hobak Bokkeum,Mu Saenggchae etc.
- Kimchi:– The healthiest farmstead food and most well known traditional Korean side dish. It is mostly composed of napa cabbage or radish and seasoned with ginger,garlic,chili pepper and other ingredients.
Ex- Kkakdugi,Oi-Sobagi,Pa-Kimchi,Nabak-Kimchi etc.
- Additional items:-
- Frequently Whole milk is provided and dessert is sometimes included.
- Seasonal fruit(orange slices,apple,banana or watermelon).
Structure of Plate
A total of five sections make up the lunch tray and each one serves a distinct function. Typically,rice and soap are placed in the largest areas and served with every meal. The side dishes and occtionally the dessert are placed in the three smaller areas at the top of the tray.
South Korea’s school meal program shows how food can truly be a form of education and health combined. By providing balanced, nutrient-rich meals, schools not only support students’ physical growth but also teach them the value of traditional and wholesome eating. This structured approach to nutrition ensures that every child receives the energy and care needed for learning, growth, and lifelong healthy habits.
Written by – Sahinoor
About the Author –
My name is Sahinoor. As a student, I hardly get leisure time. I have a strong desire to learn a new language and culture whenever I get spare time. Despite being from a different culture, I have always been interested in other cultures. After watching Korean drama, I became very interested in Korean culture and life-style as a teenager. My passion for learning has given me a fantastic opportunity to write articles. I will be able to broaden my knowledge and discover a lot more about my cherished South Korea by writing articles.