The main objective of this research is to find effective schemes in order to popularize the traditional Korean Zen cuisine. First, this thesis attempts to theoretically examine and to feature-specifically analyze the Buddhist temple diets by using va...
The main objective of this research is to find effective schemes in order to popularize the traditional Korean Zen cuisine. First, this thesis attempts to theoretically examine and to feature-specifically analyze the Buddhist temple diets by using various pertinent literatures and expert interviews. Despite the long culinary tradition of the Korean temples, the teaching of and the research on Zen cuisine have been difficult and disorganized because of the temples’ practices of orally transmitting traditional culinary recipes. Therefore, in order to preserve and prosper, as well as to categorically systemize, the dying culinary tradition of the Korean Buddhist temples which have been suffering from the absences of records, this research, with reference to oral and textual sources, categorizes the Korean Zen cuisine by foods and temples.
Second, by questioning those who have experienced Zen cuisine, this thesis have surveyed and analyzed the general understanding, preference, and consumption pattern of the people in regard to the Korean Zen cuisine. The research has revealed the following findings:
1. Such variables as sex, age, education, income, marital status, and religion had little influences in the surveyed people′’s perspectives on the extent of culinary modification; most recognized the need for some modern adaptations in the traditional Zen cuisine in order to appeal to the general populous.
2. In regard to the popularization scheme for Zen cuisine, the majority of the people believed that the culinary uses of Osinch"ae and meat in Zen cuisine were necessary. Still, many people also felt that the traditional Zen cuisine should not be modified.
3. The result of the analysis on the most effective way to popularize Zen cuisine revealed differing perspectives between male and female. The most popular male opinion which 15.91% of the surveyed men supported insisted on the need to make changes in the traditional Zen cuisine in order to suit the modern tastes. Meanwhile, 17.90% of the women, espousing the most dominant female perspective, believed in the importance of preserving and prospering the various traditional Korean Zen foods.
4. In regard to the culinary education for the traditional Korean Zen cuisine, most people showed the willingness to participate in the culinary lessons if given opportunities to learn Zen cuisine. One of the major factors in hindering the popularization of Zen cuisine has been the lack of educational institutions and opportunities to study and teach Zen cuisine. In future, there should be active efforts to establish educational facilities and programs to teach Zen cuisine to the public.
In order to effectively popularize the Korean traditional Zen cuisine, the recording and preservation of the culinary recipes through extensive investigations, as well as the systematic study of the temple foods and the introduction of this Korean Zen cuisine to the general populous through various means, are imperative. Also, these days, Zen cuisine is being recognized as healthy and preventative for geriatric diseases. The proper culinary modifications to appease the modern tastes, the development of diverse menus, and the standardization of the recipes, therefore, are essential to improve and to establish the traditional Korean Zen to become a valuable food commodity both domestically and internationally.