Nowadays, with healthy living and the "slow food" movement receiving spotlight worldwide, Korean cuisine is drawing much interest as a healthy cuisine with nutritional harmony and balance. In fact, Koreans have traditionally viewed food as "medicine," a means to keep oneself healthy and strong. Korea's four seasons and geography have produced a good many seasonal dishes and foods that reflect the nation's geographic characteristics, such as seafood from the ocean that surrounds the peninsula. This book explores Korea's 5,000-year-old culinary culture and introduces readers to the historical, cultural, nutritional and philosophical background of this rich cuisine.