Comparisons of Korean and Japanese college students' eating habits and food preferences

Abstract

This study was conducted to compare eating habits and food preferences of Korean and Japanese female college students in some areas of the two countries. The subjects were 365 Korean students and 313 Japanese students. The survey was done in every May for three years from 2006 to 2008. Eating habits and food preferences were investigated by questionnaire. The results were as follows. There was no significant difference in body weight, but Korean students were taller and they ate out more frequently than Japanese students. Both Korean students and Japanese students liked meat, milk and milk products better than fishes. Also, they liked fruits better than vegetables. Korean students had lower preferences for fish, beans and bean products, vegetables, and seaweed than Japanese students. In conclusion, Korean students seem to be exposed to risk factors to health more than Japanese students, because they had less desirable eating habits and food preferences, and were less active than Japanese students. Therefore Korean students might need to change their eating habits and food preferences into more desirable ones for their good health.