한국과 일본의 도시락문화 비교연구

Abstract

A Comparative Study of Lunchbox in Korea & Japan Jeong, Su hyun To study the history of lunchbox in Korea and Japan can be good researches for searching for the difference of food culture and cultural traits in two countries. The biggest difference of two countries' lunchbox culture is the verb, ‘싸다’(wrap in English) and ‘こしらえる’(make in English). ‘싸다’ in Korean means the flexibility and space of clothes culture and it can be important in community spirit. ‘도시락을 싸다’ can mean the variety and flexibility of food container and food quantity. While Bento of Japan is for only one person, the food in the basket or iron pot of Korea can share with one person, two persons or ten persons who are present at that spot. How to eat box lunch is also different in two countries. In Korea, people put their lunchboxes on the table and eat others' lunchboxes together without permission. However, Japanese put together and eat only their own box lunch. To eat each is the tradition of Japanese food culture. Japanese tend to abide by the rules in their home and also in restaurants. Restaurants even offer Bento on their menus and as take-out, so the chef’s recipes and Bento designs can be enjoyed at home. There has also been a recent revival of Bento recipes as well as packing aesthetics, spurred on by high-end Japanese restaurants. Seeing the lunchbox as nothing less that a key to an understanding of Japanese culture. The Korean lunchbox contains not only food but also the warm heart between people and the sharing culture. Whereas, Bento of Japan can be said to make the convenience through the efficient arrangement for limited space.