Discussion on the Connection between Local Korean Food and Migrant Adaptation from the Perspective of Dietary Changes

Authors

  • Hui Jiang The Department of Materials, The University of Manchester, Manchester, M13 9PL, UK

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.54097/50y48z45

Keywords:

Korean food, Hong Kong, dietary acculturation, migrant adaptation, transnational foodways, diaspora, K-culture

Abstract

In recent years, there have been numerous expansions of Korean restaurants, supermarkets and other popular cultural products in Hong Kong. Local Korean food is now a daily food for many people, as well as a place to connect with one's roots for migrant communities. Dietary changes have also been made by the local Korean food community to adapt to life in Hong Kong. Based on research on dietary acculturation, transnational foodways and Korean diaspora identities, it is proposed that the consumption and production of Korean cuisine are closely related to processes of acculturation, identity negotiation and social integration. The first is to introduce the main concepts of dietary acculturation and transnational culinary consumption, and then to analyze how Korean food functions as a source of comfort, capital and a zone of contact for Korean migrants and other residents. Finally, it considers the dual nature of commercialised K-food in creating inclusive and exclusive types of urban belonging.

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References

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Published

30-06-2026

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Articles

How to Cite

Jiang, H. (2026). Discussion on the Connection between Local Korean Food and Migrant Adaptation from the Perspective of Dietary Changes. Journal of Humanities and Cultural Studies, 1(3), 15-18. https://doi.org/10.54097/50y48z45