Why Do Koreans Ask “Did You Eat?”

1. What’s Happening
   In Korea, people often greet each other by asking, “Did you eat?” instead of “How are you?” This question appears in families, workplaces, and even casual conversations. It is not usually a literal question about food, but a social habit rooted in daily life. The phrase is used across generations and situations.

2. What It Means
   Food in Korea is closely linked to care, health, and emotional well-being. Asking “Did you eat?” is a way to show concern without being direct or emotional. It reflects a culture where care is expressed through actions and routines rather than words. The question signals connection, not curiosity.

3. Watch Points

• How younger generations use or change this expression

• Differences in how the phrase is understood by foreigners

• How food-centered language shapes social relationships in Korea

Source
Arirang Insight. (2025). Everyday expressions and cultural meaning in Korea. Internal cultural analysis.