Abstract
The purpose of this study was to identify and compare the dimensions and patterns of the perception of traditional food for Koreans living in Yanbian, Mongolia and Uzbekistan. Items representing the perception of traditional food were combined into a dimension and a pattern based on underlying perception of the Koreans living in the area. Any difference in the perception of the Koreans living in these areas likely reflects their different dimensions and patterns. Thus, it is important to determine if Koreans living in Yanbian, Mongolia and Uzbekistan should be treated as a homogeneous group when defining their perceptional structure of traditional food. Factor and cluster analysis of the data generated in this study revealed two different dimensions and patterns for each group of Koreans living in Yanbian, Mongolia and Uzbekistan. However, the structure of the dimensions and patterns of the perception of traditional food differed, indicating that Koreans within and between the countries are not a homogeneous group. Similarities and differences in perceptional dimensions and patterns among Yanbian, Mongolian and Uzbekistan-Koreans are also discussed. Moreover, future implications for food and nutrition specialists, especially for those who have an interest in Korean traditional food in Asia and those who have an interest in globalization of Korean traditional food are provided.
