Abstract

The purpose of this study was to investigate the regional differences in food preference among college students participating in a nutrition education program via internet. The subjects were 1672 college students (male: 762, female: 910) and divided into 4 regional groups. A survey using a self-administered questionnaire was conducted using a self-administered questionnaire on taste and food preferences. Data was collected via internet or by mail. Prevalence of the food preferences among regional groups was examined using SPSS statistical package. Food preferences were significantly associated with sex and region. Female students in Chungcheong and Kyungsang areas showed significantly higher preference of the hot taste compared to Seoul and Kyunggi areas. Female students in Seoul, Kyunggi and Chungcheong areas showed significantly higher preference of the boiled bean rice compared to the Kyungsang area. The preference for Kimchi stew of female students in Seoul and Kyunggi was significantly higher than those in Chungcheong and Kyungsang areas. Male students in the Chungcheong area showed significantly higher preferences of the Young radish kimchi, while female students in this area showed significantly higher preference of the Radish kimchi compared to other areas. The preference for roasted laver of female students in Seoul, Kyunggi and Kyungsang areas was significantly higher compared to the Chungcheong area. The preference for fried chicken of male students in Seoul was significantly higher than that in other areas. The preference for bean sprouts and season bonnet bellflower of male students in Seoul, Chungcheong and Kyungsang areas were significantly higher compared to the Kyunggi area. Therefore, these results provide nation-wide information on food preferences among Korean college students.

• Keywords: taste preferences; food preferences; college students; regional difference