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American_Maverick
Joined: 20 Dec 2007
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 Posted: Sat Jan 12, 2008 6:29 pm Post subject: Assure this newbie's diet concerns... |
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Are there any "Whole Foods" styled supermarkets in Korea? If not, does E-Mart or Costco in Korea sell organic labelled foods in large variety? Here in the States you can buy an increasing amount of organic foods at Walmart in addition to health food stores and supermarkets. At many Walmarts the healthy food alternatives has expanded tremendously in the last couple of years. It is my hope I can maintain a pretty close to all organic diet while in Korea. 
Also, ss soy milk and/or rice milk typically sold in most places as well? |
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schwa
Joined: 18 Jan 2003
Location: Yap
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| Posted: Sat Jan 12, 2008 7:08 pm Post subject: |
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An all-organic diet will likely be hard to sustain but many new organic options have appeared on supermarket shelves over the last couple years. Health food stores are cropping up in increasing numbers too. Pricy though.
Many varieties of good soymilk are widely available. |
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Bibbitybop
Joined: 22 Feb 2006
Location: Seoul
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| Posted: Sat Jan 12, 2008 7:25 pm Post subject: |
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| I recently read a huge percentage of organic foods here are not really organic. It was something like 80%! I don't have a link, sorry. |
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bondjimbond
Joined: 29 Dec 2007
Location: Seoul
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| Posted: Sat Jan 12, 2008 7:27 pm Post subject: |
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| I'm still struggling to find whole-wheat bread which isn't actually white bread dyed brown with molasses. |
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flummuxt
Joined: 15 Mar 2007
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| Posted: Sat Jan 12, 2008 7:47 pm Post subject: |
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Organic? Yeah, there are a smattering of products. And EMart now has an organic food ghetto. Well, maybe ghetto is the wrong word, considering the prices.
But when it comes to general Korean produce, who knows? Much of the stuff, like lettuce and peppers, is grown in narrow plots of ground right up to the curb of busy highways, or next to sidewalks in cities.
This may be the wrong place if organic is a major concern. I gather Japan is much more concerned about pesticides in their food. |
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Bibbitybop
Joined: 22 Feb 2006
Location: Seoul
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| Posted: Sat Jan 12, 2008 8:04 pm Post subject: |
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Here's that link, and I was wrong. 88% of organic food is fake, not 80%.
For any newbies, this isn't that surprising in Korea. Korea is corrupt, businesses are corrupt and the consumer or customer's rights don't matter here.
http://koreabeat.com/?p=540
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88% of Organic Food is Fake
�Organic tofu,� �organic jam,� �organic olive oil.�
A study has found that the majority of �organic� farm products sold in Korea are fake. The Korea Food Research Institute announced on the 29th that �88% of domestic organic farm products have been marked as organic by their manufacturers, not the government.� Unlike in foreign countries, organic products in Korea do not need government certification, creating these abuses. Organic products are 2.82 times as expensive as their non-organic counterparts. Consumers are buying expensive �organic� products without knowing what they truly are.
Dr. Park Seong-hun of the Institute said, �consumers are purchasing and eating these expensive organic products, but we have no way of verifying them as organic. We need to strengthen our organic certification to global standards.�
Organic products use no pesticides, chemical fertilizers or antibiotics. And when processed no chemical additives are used. Though no pesticides are used, it can still be called a no-pesticide product even if chemical fertilizers are. Certifications of organic status are conferred by the National Agricultural Products Quality Management Service (국립농산물품질관리원) or by Organic Korea (유기농코리아). In other countries the organic mark is applied only to recognized products, but in Korea the manufacturers can do it themselves. Korea also allows products grown by temples to be sold as organic.
With the recent growing interest in healthfulness, the scale of the organic market is also growing. The Institute estimates the size of the market at 317.5 billion won, a 25.7% increase from 253.3 billion last year. Including pesticide-free products the market comes to 1.8419 trillion won. |
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bejarano-korea
Joined: 13 Dec 2006
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| Posted: Sat Jan 12, 2008 8:08 pm Post subject: |
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| Would a knowledge of Korean (or being able to read Hangul) be necesarry to partake in any kind of specialized diet over here? |
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American_Maverick
Joined: 20 Dec 2007
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| Posted: Sat Jan 12, 2008 8:12 pm Post subject: |
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| Bibbitybop wrote: |
Here's that link, and I was wrong. 88% of organic food is fake, not 80%.
For any newbies, this isn't that surprising in Korea. Korea is corrupt, businesses are corrupt and the consumer or customer's rights don't matter here.
http://koreabeat.com/?p=540
| Quote: |
88% of Organic Food is Fake
�Organic tofu,� �organic jam,� �organic olive oil.�
A study has found that the majority of �organic� farm products sold in Korea are fake. The Korea Food Research Institute announced on the 29th that �88% of domestic organic farm products have been marked as organic by their manufacturers, not the government.� Unlike in foreign countries, organic products in Korea do not need government certification, creating these abuses. Organic products are 2.82 times as expensive as their non-organic counterparts. Consumers are buying expensive �organic� products without knowing what they truly are.
Dr. Park Seong-hun of the Institute said, �consumers are purchasing and eating these expensive organic products, but we have no way of verifying them as organic. We need to strengthen our organic certification to global standards.�
Organic products use no pesticides, chemical fertilizers or antibiotics. And when processed no chemical additives are used. Though no pesticides are used, it can still be called a no-pesticide product even if chemical fertilizers are. Certifications of organic status are conferred by the National Agricultural Products Quality Management Service (국립농산물품질관리원) or by Organic Korea (유기농코리아). In other countries the organic mark is applied only to recognized products, but in Korea the manufacturers can do it themselves. Korea also allows products grown by temples to be sold as organic.
With the recent growing interest in healthfulness, the scale of the organic market is also growing. The Institute estimates the size of the market at 317.5 billion won, a 25.7% increase from 253.3 billion last year. Including pesticide-free products the market comes to 1.8419 trillion won. |
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Thanks. Just makes me aware that I need to stick to American organic-labelled products when grocery shopping in Korea.
I don't mind the higher prices. If you've ever shopped in Whole Foods or Earth Fare supermarkets in the U.S., you know that the prices are MUCH higher than the processed crap. I tend to by less (thereby levelling the expense factor) and eat less (thereby keeping the calories and weight down) when I keep healthy food in the home and limit the junk. |
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esetters21
Joined: 30 Apr 2006
Location: Seoul
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| Posted: Sat Jan 12, 2008 9:24 pm Post subject: |
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| American_Maverick wrote: |
| Bibbitybop wrote: |
Here's that link, and I was wrong. 88% of organic food is fake, not 80%.
For any newbies, this isn't that surprising in Korea. Korea is corrupt, businesses are corrupt and the consumer or customer's rights don't matter here.
http://koreabeat.com/?p=540
| Quote: |
88% of Organic Food is Fake
�Organic tofu,� �organic jam,� �organic olive oil.�
A study has found that the majority of �organic� farm products sold in Korea are fake. The Korea Food Research Institute announced on the 29th that �88% of domestic organic farm products have been marked as organic by their manufacturers, not the government.� Unlike in foreign countries, organic products in Korea do not need government certification, creating these abuses. Organic products are 2.82 times as expensive as their non-organic counterparts. Consumers are buying expensive �organic� products without knowing what they truly are.
Dr. Park Seong-hun of the Institute said, �consumers are purchasing and eating these expensive organic products, but we have no way of verifying them as organic. We need to strengthen our organic certification to global standards.�
Organic products use no pesticides, chemical fertilizers or antibiotics. And when processed no chemical additives are used. Though no pesticides are used, it can still be called a no-pesticide product even if chemical fertilizers are. Certifications of organic status are conferred by the National Agricultural Products Quality Management Service (국립농산물품질관리원) or by Organic Korea (유기농코리아). In other countries the organic mark is applied only to recognized products, but in Korea the manufacturers can do it themselves. Korea also allows products grown by temples to be sold as organic.
With the recent growing interest in healthfulness, the scale of the organic market is also growing. The Institute estimates the size of the market at 317.5 billion won, a 25.7% increase from 253.3 billion last year. Including pesticide-free products the market comes to 1.8419 trillion won. |
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Thanks. Just makes me aware that I need to stick to American organic-labelled products when grocery shopping in Korea.
I don't mind the higher prices. If you've ever shopped in Whole Foods or Earth Fare supermarkets in the U.S., you know that the prices are MUCH higher than the processed crap. I tend to by less (thereby levelling the expense factor) and eat less (thereby keeping the calories and weight down) when I keep healthy food in the home and limit the junk. |
You are in for a rude awakening. This isn't America, and you will find that out soon enough. They don't cater to westerners as much as some people might lead you to believe. Figure it out for yourself when you come here like everyone else does.
Btw..unless you are actually in Korea, you are technically only a prospective "newbie." Merong  ! |
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American_Maverick
Joined: 20 Dec 2007
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| Posted: Sat Jan 12, 2008 9:50 pm Post subject: |
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| esetters21 wrote: |
| American_Maverick wrote: |
| Bibbitybop wrote: |
Here's that link, and I was wrong. 88% of organic food is fake, not 80%.
For any newbies, this isn't that surprising in Korea. Korea is corrupt, businesses are corrupt and the consumer or customer's rights don't matter here.
http://koreabeat.com/?p=540
| Quote: |
88% of Organic Food is Fake
�Organic tofu,� �organic jam,� �organic olive oil.�
A study has found that the majority of �organic� farm products sold in Korea are fake. The Korea Food Research Institute announced on the 29th that �88% of domestic organic farm products have been marked as organic by their manufacturers, not the government.� Unlike in foreign countries, organic products in Korea do not need government certification, creating these abuses. Organic products are 2.82 times as expensive as their non-organic counterparts. Consumers are buying expensive �organic� products without knowing what they truly are.
Dr. Park Seong-hun of the Institute said, �consumers are purchasing and eating these expensive organic products, but we have no way of verifying them as organic. We need to strengthen our organic certification to global standards.�
Organic products use no pesticides, chemical fertilizers or antibiotics. And when processed no chemical additives are used. Though no pesticides are used, it can still be called a no-pesticide product even if chemical fertilizers are. Certifications of organic status are conferred by the National Agricultural Products Quality Management Service (국립농산물품질관리원) or by Organic Korea (유기농코리아). In other countries the organic mark is applied only to recognized products, but in Korea the manufacturers can do it themselves. Korea also allows products grown by temples to be sold as organic.
With the recent growing interest in healthfulness, the scale of the organic market is also growing. The Institute estimates the size of the market at 317.5 billion won, a 25.7% increase from 253.3 billion last year. Including pesticide-free products the market comes to 1.8419 trillion won. |
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Thanks. Just makes me aware that I need to stick to American organic-labelled products when grocery shopping in Korea.
I don't mind the higher prices. If you've ever shopped in Whole Foods or Earth Fare supermarkets in the U.S., you know that the prices are MUCH higher than the processed crap. I tend to by less (thereby levelling the expense factor) and eat less (thereby keeping the calories and weight down) when I keep healthy food in the home and limit the junk. |
You are in for a rude awakening. This isn't America, and you will find that out soon enough. They don't cater to westerners as much as some people might lead you to believe. Figure it out for yourself when you come here like everyone else does.
Btw..unless you are actually in Korea, you are technically only a prospective "newbie." Merong ! |
What's with the smart-assed commentary, bro? Of course everyone can "figure things out for themselves" when they arrive, but this forum allows people to ask questions and get a heads-up on certain issues of concern to them. Why would I think "Korea" was "America"?  I've likely travelled to more countries than you have and don't expect things to be exactly as they are at home. Hence...the...reason...for...my...posting...the...initial...question? 
Unless you can elaborate on why I will have a "rude awakening" esetters21, your post is utterly useless. |
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rusty1983
Joined: 30 Jan 2007
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| Posted: Sat Jan 12, 2008 9:56 pm Post subject: |
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Id say Korea is developing, not developed. There isnt much variety when it comes to the food. I like the food, but my gf is a vegetarian, and she HATES it. I can understand this. Im not picky and havent eaten well throughout my life (sorry Mum, I love you), so Im actually made up with how good the cheap noodles are here.
Id say it is possible to maintain a specialised diet, but youll pay for it through the nose, itll blow holes in your savings.
My advice would be chill out and be less picky, no offense |
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moosehead
Joined: 05 May 2007
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| Posted: Sat Jan 12, 2008 9:58 pm Post subject: Re: Assure this newbie's diet concerns... |
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| American_Maverick wrote: |
Are there any "Whole Foods" styled supermarkets in Korea? If not, does E-Mart or Costco in Korea sell organic labelled foods in large variety? Here in the States you can buy an increasing amount of organic foods at Walmart in addition to health food stores and supermarkets. At many Walmarts the healthy food alternatives has expanded tremendously in the last couple of years. It is my hope I can maintain a pretty close to all organic diet while in Korea.
Also, ss soy milk and/or rice milk typically sold in most places as well? |
american_maverick -there are all kinds of posters on here - a lot of bored ones too - try and not let them get to you
soy products are in an abundance here - you'll be able to tell w/o reading because there are usually pix of soybeans on the labels; a lot of families still don't give their kids cow's milk but raise them on soy products instead
there are many chain k groceries that are supposed to be organic and yes, the larger markets have those sections in them but as the other poster pointed out, it's anyone's guess how honest they are
basically you'll find an abundance of fresh produce here except they don't import much so it changes w/the seasons - but once you get used to it you'll learn to adapt to whatever's in season; some things are grown in greenhouses of course like tomatoes so you can find them year round
whole grains are probably the scarcest - and molasses? i don't think molasses is here - not sure what they do the bread to make some of it brown but it's definitely not wheat bread - even some wheat i've found here was mixed w/rice flour
there are some good foreign restaurants that can spice up your diet once in a while.
overall, you can manage, it's not that difficult and getting easier as more imports are trickling in. |
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Atavistic
Joined: 22 May 2006
Location: How totally stupid that Korean doesn't show in this area.
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| Posted: Sat Jan 12, 2008 10:09 pm Post subject: |
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Produce here is fricking expensive. I'm talking $10 for strawberries that would cost $4 back home. And that's for the REGULAR NON-ORGANIC STRAWBERRIES. Don't even get me started on watermelon. God. Watermelon. (And I am going with market prices, not supermarket prices. Don't get me started on supermarkets.)
Organics are hard to find, over-priced, and generally not imported--hence you run into the fakes problem.
Sure, some really large places carry organics, but sometimes it's that organic crap food. Organic junk food.
Bread is mostly crap here. There are some places you can get a real loaf of pumpernickel, usually in fancier hotels downtown. And you are paying way, way too much for it. The typical "bread" here is puffed up linty air.
I know you're willing to pay more for organic quality, but here you're going to pay more than at-home organic costs for lesser quality. If you're OK with that, great. BUT your subject line was all about putting your fears to rest. We're telling you the truth and it's pissing you off. do you want us to pat your back and say everything will be OK like your momma would, or do you want the damn truth before you hope on a place and fly halfway around the world?
Look, if you need to follow a strict diet, or TV schedule, or anything else, living abroad isn't for you, unless abroad is Canada.
Last edited by Atavistic on Sun Jan 13, 2008 12:16 am; edited 2 times in total |
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esetters21
Joined: 30 Apr 2006
Location: Seoul
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| Posted: Sat Jan 12, 2008 10:12 pm Post subject: |
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| American_Maverick wrote: |
| esetters21 wrote: |
| American_Maverick wrote: |
| Bibbitybop wrote: |
Here's that link, and I was wrong. 88% of organic food is fake, not 80%.
For any newbies, this isn't that surprising in Korea. Korea is corrupt, businesses are corrupt and the consumer or customer's rights don't matter here.
http://koreabeat.com/?p=540
| Quote: |
88% of Organic Food is Fake
�Organic tofu,� �organic jam,� �organic olive oil.�
A study has found that the majority of �organic� farm products sold in Korea are fake. The Korea Food Research Institute announced on the 29th that �88% of domestic organic farm products have been marked as organic by their manufacturers, not the government.� Unlike in foreign countries, organic products in Korea do not need government certification, creating these abuses. Organic products are 2.82 times as expensive as their non-organic counterparts. Consumers are buying expensive �organic� products without knowing what they truly are.
Dr. Park Seong-hun of the Institute said, �consumers are purchasing and eating these expensive organic products, but we have no way of verifying them as organic. We need to strengthen our organic certification to global standards.�
Organic products use no pesticides, chemical fertilizers or antibiotics. And when processed no chemical additives are used. Though no pesticides are used, it can still be called a no-pesticide product even if chemical fertilizers are. Certifications of organic status are conferred by the National Agricultural Products Quality Management Service (국립농산물품질관리원) or by Organic Korea (유기농코리아). In other countries the organic mark is applied only to recognized products, but in Korea the manufacturers can do it themselves. Korea also allows products grown by temples to be sold as organic.
With the recent growing interest in healthfulness, the scale of the organic market is also growing. The Institute estimates the size of the market at 317.5 billion won, a 25.7% increase from 253.3 billion last year. Including pesticide-free products the market comes to 1.8419 trillion won. |
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Thanks. Just makes me aware that I need to stick to American organic-labelled products when grocery shopping in Korea.
I don't mind the higher prices. If you've ever shopped in Whole Foods or Earth Fare supermarkets in the U.S., you know that the prices are MUCH higher than the processed crap. I tend to by less (thereby levelling the expense factor) and eat less (thereby keeping the calories and weight down) when I keep healthy food in the home and limit the junk. |
You are in for a rude awakening. This isn't America, and you will find that out soon enough. They don't cater to westerners as much as some people might lead you to believe. Figure it out for yourself when you come here like everyone else does.
Btw..unless you are actually in Korea, you are technically only a prospective "newbie." Merong ! |
What's with the smart-assed commentary, bro? Of course everyone can "figure things out for themselves" when they arrive, but this forum allows people to ask questions and get a heads-up on certain issues of concern to them. Why would I think "Korea" was "America"? I've likely travelled to more countries than you have and don't expect things to be exactly as they are at home. Hence...the...reason...for...my...posting...the...initial...question?
Unless you can elaborate on why I will have a "rude awakening" esetters21, your post is utterly useless. |
Haha...yeah right! You sound like the typical look at me and what I have done "world traveller." Do you want to meet up and compare passports?
I wasn't trying to be completely condescending. I do hope that you enjoy Korea and are able to find the organic stores. This forum is a little harsh at times. You previously have posted some derogatory comments of your own, so don't act saint-like.
Good Luck if and when you come to Korea American_Maverick! |
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rusty1983
Joined: 30 Jan 2007
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| Posted: Sat Jan 12, 2008 10:34 pm Post subject: |
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This forum is harsh, and there are alot of unhappy people here, yes. But, it needs to be said that the food situation is entirely different from our more developed countries. Research it THOROUGHLY and then decide. It does play a large role in your happiness and well-being.
I am nowhere near as enlightened as some people here, Ive only been here about 10 months; but Id say, with confidence, that an 'organic' diet would take alot of energy and cash to pursue here. But then again Im ignorant, you need to look into it |
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