Related
It is two in the afternoon, and only one thing crosses the minds of business professionals: siesta. On their way home from work, they yearn for tapas, or Spanish appetizers.
Many professionals dream of relaxing, drinking and having fun with colleagues, and this sort of Spanish lifestyle is becoming increasingly popular among Koreans.
"What does it take to free oneself from the Spanish addiction?"
This was the question asked in the travel diary, "Eternal Addiction: Spain" by Ji Young Kim. As a magazine reporter and a worldwide traveler, there is an oddity she feels about Spain that attracts her.
The answer to the above question is in her book: "Are there any other people in the world who enjoy life to its fullest potential like the Spanish, who enjoy lunch with delicious food and joyous conversations?"
These days, Spain is the hot topic of conversation among young trendsetters in Korea. This fervor is similar to the reaction of last decade's trendsetters who fantasized about Paris. They romanticize Spanish food, wine and fashion in everyday conversation. Hotels and restaurants are holding Spanish-related events, responding to the new trend.
The craze for Spanish fashion is global. However, according to shopping columnist Chae Kun-ho, there is a reason behind the increasing interest in Spanish lifestyles among Koreans. Chae was charmed by Spanish fashion after a visit to Spain to search for different Spanish brands.
"The reality of the harshness of well-being, dieting and financial technology in Korea makes people tired and crave relaxation with food, drinks and friends."
In the Korean market, the growth of Spanish wine is worth noting.
Lee Chul-hyung, a representative of Winenara, a company that imports wine, said, "Today Spanish wine is growing more than 60 percent in comparison to last year's debut."
This growth is fast, considering the fact that the total growth of wine-importing businesses has only been 20 percent. According to analysis by the wine industry, Chile, which has been the No. 2 wine exporter to Korea following France, has given way to Spain.
The popularity of Spanish food is another thing. Albaizyn and Shim's tapas in Hongdae are examples.
Jung Sae-young, the owner of Albaizyn, who has been running the restaurant for eight years, is shocked by the increasing popularity of his place.
"Watching customers come to a restaurant that is hidden in a corner proves that Spanish food is the latest trend," he says.
In other neighborhoods, Spanish food is served to meet Korean standards. La Plancha, a restaurant in Itaewon serving authentic Spanish brunch, is quickly gaining recognition among food lovers.
But there is one thing that Koreans admire the most about the Spanish flavor: the relaxed lifestyle. The goal of many Spanish is to live a satisfying life by eating, drinking and enjoying themselves. This mind-set is what Koreans most want to learn.
"Instead of living a hectic life, Koreans should try to live a relaxed and joyous life like the Spanish," said Kim Sun-woong, director of the Spanish Cultural Centre.
This article appeared on www.joongangdaily.joins.com
July 16, 2008
| 0 Comment(s) |
sponsors
