Six government organizations, including the Korean Food Promotion Institute, formerly known as the Korean Food Foundation, and the Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism, introduced their “10 Korean Recipes Loved Around the World” in September 2016, targeting non-Korean tourists who will visit Korea for the PyeongChang 2018 Olympic and Paralympic Winter Games. The aim is to help tourists enjoy Korean cuisine and widen their understanding of Korean culinary heritage. The 10 selected dishes constitute a Korean menu that contains the essential identity of Korean cuisine, while improving each dish's individual taste, convenience and appearance.

By Yoon Sojung
Photos = Jeon Han
Video = Kim Sunjoo
In cooperation with the Institute of Traditional Korean Food



Mushrooms, corn and potatoes are some of the local specialties of Gangwon-do Province.

Due to the province's geographical features, with many mountain and adjacent to the sea, it was difficult to find land for rice. For this reason, instead of rice, people in Gangwon developed various other recipes that use mushrooms, corn, potatoes or sweet potatoes to substitute the common Asian grain.

The cuisine of Gangwon-do Province is characterized for its light and savory taste.

Thanks to the delicious local ingredients, Gangwon-do dishes are quite popular among gourmets everywhere.

“It’s because of the large amount of sunshine and the good soil,” said Director Yoon Sook-ja of the Institute of Traditional Korean Food regarding the deliciousness of Gangwon-do produce.

“I once planted corn seeds, which are originally from Gangwon-do Province, in Seoul, but it had a different taste from the ones grown in Gangwon-do,” she said.

“If you visit Gangwon-do, you should try the food made from local ingredients there,” Yoon added.

Mushroom corn porridge allows you to enjoy the pure taste of mushrooms and corn. It offers the original simple taste of corn, combined with finely chopped, soft chewy mushroom slices.

** Recipe for mushroom corn porridge

** Ingredients (four servings)

corn (1 can, 340g), water 2 cups (400g)
king oyster mushrooms 2 (135g)
glutinous rice powder 1 cup (90g), water 2 cups (400ml), salt 0.5 teaspoons (2g)



** Instructions

1. Wash the mushrooms and mince them finely into pieces.
2. Drain the canned corn and put it into a blender with 2 cups of water. Blend it all together. Fresh corn can also be used.
3. Put the water and glutinous rice powder into a pot. Stir slowly over medium heat for 5 minutes to make the porridge.
4. Add the blended corn into the pot. Stir slowly over medium heat for 10 minutes.
5. Boil it all and stir the porridge until it thickens.
6. Add the minced mushroom and salt to taste.

arete@korea.kr