A meal is a structure
Rice, soup and shared banchan create a meal rather than a sequence of private courses.
South Korea · 대한민국 · Kaufmann World Travel Factbook

Rice, soup and shared banchan create a meal rather than a sequence of private courses.
Kimchi and jang depend on time, microbes, salt, season and household knowledge.
Jeonju, Andong, Jeju and coastal cities have distinct ingredients and histories.
Korean Buddhist food emphasizes seasonality and restraint; it is a living religious practice.
Ask specifically about shellfish, fish sauce, soy, wheat, sesame and nuts.
Photograph food freely only after checking the seller's preference; people are not décor.