Military meals get a gourmet upgrade in South Korea, surprising recruits

New recruits at South Korean army training centers are experiencing a culinary revolution, with meals far exceeding expectations and even leading to weight gain. Gone are the days of notoriously poor military food; today's recruits are greeted with diverse menus that often rival popular civilian dining options.

One recruit at the Nonsan army training center described his initial meal of sundae-gukbap (blood sausage soup with rice) as so satisfying that his worries about food vanished on his first day. He even gained 2 kilograms (about 4.4 pounds) during his four weeks of basic training. Another trainee highlighted the butter-filled rice cake as a memorable dessert, expressing surprise at the inclusion of trendy sweets usually found outside the military.

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I was worried about the food, but it disappeared on my first day of enlistment. The sundae-gukbap tasted amazing. I actually gained 2kg in the 4 weeks of training.

The Nonsan center itself offers a wide array of dishes, including Western and Japanese cuisine, and even buffet-style options. Collaborations with famous dining brands like 'Dookki' (tteokbokki) and 'Xinlongfu Malatang' are also featured. Special menus are prepared for significant events, such as fried chicken when the national football team scores its first goal in the World Cup, and tuna dissection shows during winter.

This significant upgrade in military catering reflects a broader effort to enhance soldier morale and well-being. The contrast with past experiences, where dishes like 'Myeongsunjo' (pollack fillet stew) or 'Muk-ssabal Gamja' (jelly and potato stew) were infamous, is stark. The improved food quality aims to ensure that soldiers are well-fed and content, contributing positively to their training experience.

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The butter-filled rice cake menu is the most memorable. I'm surprised that trendy desserts you can't even eat outside are served.