A survey on foreign consumption of Hansik (Korean food) conducted last year by the Ministry of Agriculture, Food and Rural Affairs and Korean Food Promotion Institute found that Korean-style fried chicken is the world's most popular and frequently eaten Korean food. (iClickart) *[Unauthorized reproduction and redistribution of the above photo is strictly prohibited under copyright laws and regulations.]

By Hong Angie

The most popular domestic dish abroad is Korean-style fried chicken.

The Ministry of Agriculture, Food and Rural Affairs and Korean Food Promotion Institute on Jan. 4 announced the results of their joint survey conducted last year on global consumption of Hansik (Korean food) on 9,000 residents of 18 leading world cities including Beijing, China, Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam, and New York.

Sixty percent of the respondents said they "know (Hansik) well," up 2.4% percentage points from 2022 for the figure's fifth consecutive year of growth.

In addition, 86.5% said they had heard of Korean food within the past year.

The satisfaction level of 92.5% was the fifth year in a row for the rate to stay above 90%.

The most consumed Korean dish abroad over the past year was Korean-style fried chicken with 29.4%, followed by kimchi with 28.6% and ramyeon (instant noodles) 26.9%. Respondents picked as their favorite Hansik such chicken (16.5%), ramyeon (11.1%) and kimchi (9.8%).

On what food first came to mind when hearing Hansik, kimchi topped the list with 40.2%, followed by bibimbap, or rice mixed with meat, vegetables and spicy pepper paste, with 23.6%, Korean-style fried chicken 16.2%, bulgogi (marinated grilled beef) 13.3% and gogi-gui (barbecued meat) 12%.

When asked about their perceptions of Hansik, respondents called it "savory," "reasonably priced," "popular" and "recently trendy."

"We confirmed through this survey that global recognition of Hansik is expanding and that its satisfaction levels remain high," said Moon Jean, director general of the ministry's Food and Food Service Industry Division. "We will actively support Hansik so that it becomes part of the everyday diet of consumers abroad."

shong9412@korea.kr