Olympics on the Other Side of the Earth: Dopamine from Korean Cuisine Lunch Boxes, Galbijjim and Jeyuk Popular
Korean athletes at the Olympics are raving about the Korean lunch boxes provided by the Korean Sports Council, particularly enjoying dishes like galbijjim and jeyuk.
Korean athletes competing in the Olympics are finding significant support and motivation through the delicious Korean lunch boxes delivered to them, stating that traditional dishes such as galbijjim and jeyuk are enhancing their performance and morale during the games. The customized lunch boxes, featuring various familiar Korean dishes, not only satisfy their hunger but also help maintain their weight and physical condition amidst the intense competition. Athletes like Choi Min-jeong have expressed gratitude, noting that the proper nutrition aids them in weight management, which is critical during the demanding nature of the Olympic events.
The Korean Sports Council has established special food support centers in various Italian cities, including Milan, where athletes are prepared meals that bring a taste of home to an international stage. With an investment of approximately 2.2 billion won, a team of 36 personnel works daily to provide lunch and dinner, creating around 90 meal boxes organized per session according to the athlete's scheduled activities. This effort not only brings comfort through familiar flavors but also emphasizes the cultural connection of Korean cuisine in enhancing athletes' performances.
As the athletes compete in diverse disciplines throughout the Olympics, the inclusion of Korean meals underscores the importance of adequate nutrition in competitive sports. The fact that these lunch boxes are received with such enthusiasm from the athletes highlights both their craving for home-cooked meals and the significance of cultural cuisine in sustaining both physical and mental health during high-pressure periods like the Olympics.