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sitting on the floor this summer in South Korea.
But they learned a lot more about far eastern culture and food than that while researching Western influence on the South Korean diet June 10 to July 2.
Through surveys passed out mainly at churches and schools they found that, as they suspected, people ages 14 to 20 ate more Western foods such as cereal, dairy products and pizza than people older than 30.
But they learned more about the South Korean diet and people outside of their research by observing and simply being in the country, said Stephanie Walker, one of the students.
“We learned a lot more unexpectedly,” agreed Amanda Richardson, one of the five.
Every day they ate a nutrient-rich diet heavy on vegetables and rice, and always fruit for dessert, which they began to crave.
“By the end of seven weeks, we almost preferred their Korean meals over the Westernized food,” said Carol Klitzke, the Viterbo dietetics professor who accompanied the students to South Korea.
The five learned about South Korean culture while eating with host families over meals typically two hours long.
They found Western foods are popping up all over — such as Baskin Robbins and Dunkin’ Donuts. But they also noticed adaptations, such as octopus pieces in spaghetti and a sesame seed sauce on a Big Mac.
The trip earned them no credit, they said, but it was worth it for the experience.
They also agreed that being away from certain American foods they craved gave them perspective on their future jobs.
“We learned how difficult it is to change your eating habits,and I think that will come in to play in our future professions,” said Leah Anderson.
A grant from the ASIANetwork Freeman Student-Faculty Fellows Program funded the trip.
KJ Lang can be reached at (608) 791-8226 or klang@lacrossetribune.com.
