- Watch Korean Pork Belly Rhapsody | Netflix
- A love letter to pork belly — a perennial favorite among Koreans of every generation — unfolds with an exploration of its history and cooking methods.
KBS1 Docu Insight: Samgyeopsal Rhapsody
Since 2016, when pork surpassed rice as the de facto staple food in Korea, samgyeopsal (grilled pork belly) has become the most beloved cut of meat among Koreans. This documentary, 'Samgyeopsal Rhapsody,' vividly illustrates how samgyeopsal has become a symbol of Korean food culture.
A scene from Samgyeopsal Rhapsody: Source - Netflix
The rise of pork to the top spot, surpassing rice, which had been the Korean staple for millennia, can be attributed to several factors. These include increased pork consumption following economic development in the 1970s, and the popularization of samgyeopsal due to rising incomes in the mid-1980s. The advent of portable butane gas burners made it possible to grill samgyeopsal anywhere, which fueled the explosive growth of samgyeopsal culture.
The documentary also showcases the unique samgyeopsal grilling cultures found in different regions of Korea. For instance, there are traditional methods like 'makgui' (rough grilling) and charcoal grilling in the Honam region. Recently, techniques like aging and dry-aging have been utilized to elevate the flavor of samgyeopsal even further.
However, the concentrated consumption of samgyeopsal has led to a decline in the utilization of other pork cuts. The documentary emphasizes the importance of balanced utilization of all cuts from a pig and highlights the need for consumer awareness and effort to achieve this.
'Samgyeopsal Rhapsody' doesn't merely introduce samgyeopsal; it explores the history and significance of samgyeopsal culture, which has shared the journey of Korean society, and contemplates its future direction.
YouTube trailer
This piece vividly portrays the sentiments and everyday lives of Koreans through the story of samgyeopsal, a representative aspect of Korean food culture. Notably, it was the first Korean food-related documentary to be featured on Netflix, further promoting Korean cuisine to a global audience.
‘Samgyeopsal Rhapsody’ reexamines the role of samgyeopsal, which has been central to the changing dietary habits of Koreans alongside economic development. It holds value and meaning beyond a simple documentary. This work reminds us that understanding Korean society and culture requires understanding samgyeopsal.
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