Official name

General Dietary Guidelines for Koreans

Publication year

In 1991, the National dietary guidelines were first published by the Ministry of Health and Welfare. In 2002-2003, general and age-based guidelines were announced and revised in 2008-2009. In 2016, the General Dietary Guidelines for Koreans were established as common guidelines of inter-government ministries.

Process and stakeholders

The Ministry of Health and Welfare and the relevant ministries (Ministry of Agriculture, Food and Rural Affairs and Ministry of Food and Drug Safety) collaborated in developing the General Dietary Guidelines through a public-private partnership advisory committee. 

The guidelines have been endorsed by the Ministry of Health and Welfare, Ministry of Agriculture, Food and Rural Affairs and Ministry of Food and Drug Safety in the Republic of Korea.

Intended audience

The guidelines aim to lay out basic dietary recommendations for healthy adults.  

Food guide

The Guidelines integrate the consumption of well-balanced nutrients, healthy diet and Korean-style dietary patterns, and safety on dietary life.

The Korean Nutrition Society developed the ‘Food Balance Wheels’ which represent recommended proportions of five food groups, as well as the importance of regular physical activity. 

Messages

• Eat a variety of foods including rice & other grains, vegetables, fruits, milk & dairy products, meat, fish, eggs, and beans.
• Do not skip breakfast.
• Avoid binge eating or over-eating and increase physical activity.
• Choose foods lower in salt, sugar, and fat.
• Drink plain water and refrain from sugary drinks.
• Avoid alcoholic beverages.
• Prepare food safely and plan ahead. 
• Enjoy meals prepared with local produce.
• Have frequent family meals.