Page "Korean cuisine" Paragraph 18

The cattle were valuable draught animals and were regarded more as servants than for consumption.

They were also seen as equal to human servants, or in some cases, members of family.

Cattle were also given their own holiday during the first ' cow ' day of the lunar New Year.

The importance of cattle does not suggest Koreans ate an abundance of beef, however, as the cattle were valued as beasts of burden and slaughtering one would create dire issues in farming the land.

Pork and seafood were more likely consumed on a more regular basis, due to this issue.

The Buddhist ruling class of the Goryeo period forbade the consumption of beef.

The Mongols dispensed with the ban of beef during the 13th century, and they promoted the production of beef cattle.

This increased production continued into the Joseon period, when the government encouraged both increased quantities and quality of beef.

Only in the latter part of the 20th century has beef become regular table fare.