여성결혼이민자의 개인특성 및 푸드네오포비아 정도에 따른 한식에 대한 정보인지 수준 및 인식, 친밀도에 관한 차이 연구

Purpose: This study aims to investigate and explain the influence of personal characteristics on female immigrants’ perception and attitude towards the Korean food culture. Methods: Exploratory research was performed by conducting a self-administered survey. A purposive sampling method was used to recruit 289 participants to determine their level of information awareness, perception and familiarity with Korean food culture. Results: Female immigrants’ mean FNS score was 3.70. FNS score decreased in women from Northeast Asia, women who received higher education, and in urban women. The level of information awareness of Korean Food culture was 3.47, which was above average. Women from Southeast Asia had a higher level of awareness about cooking methods and table setting. Females living in the countryside and those who had lived for more than 7 years in Korea had higher levels of information awareness than other groups. Women from Southeast Asia perceived that Korean food is spicy; on the other hand, women from Northeast Asia discerned that Korean food is pungent and is prepared scientifically. The neophilic group more positively recognized Korean foods based on taste and nutritional value than did the neophobic group. Subjects living in the countryside were more likely to evaluate nutritional value, scientific aspects and artistry higher. The research also found that the neophilic group and immigrants who had lived for more than 7 years in Korea were significantly correlated with the familiarity with Korean food culture. Conclusion: The findings provide an initial step towards developing a customized education program for female marriage immigrants to adapt and to become familiar with Korean food culture with a comprehensive understanding of personal traits for accepting a new food culture.