Growing up in the U.S. with Korean immigrant parents, the author reflects on the importance of cultural sharing through food. Their childhood was enriched by the arrival of friends—who felt like family—bringing traditional Korean banchan. This practice, known as "nanum munhwa," emphasizes the legacy of sharing home-cooked dishes among neighbors. This article illustrates how immigrant families adapt and maintain cultural ties, especially through food, imbuing their experiences with both nostalgia and community spirit. The author's connection to their heritage is profoundly tied to the tastes and flavors of their upbringing.
Being raised alongside other children of immigrants was so special, fostering a rich cultural connection that was deeply intertwined with family and food practices.
The cycle of sharing banchan among families created a profound sense of community, linking my mom's experiences in Korea with our life in America.
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