Korean cuisine popular in China

Chinese President Xi Jinping is due to visit South Korea later this week, his first trip to the country since taking office.

CRI's Li Dong has more on the cultural similiarities between the two countries.

Xiao Meng likes Korean food. Korean-style barbecue is her favorite.

"There is a Korean barbecue restaurant in Wangjing, run by a Korean grandma. The side pork is a kind of lean meat with multiple layers. Obviously they are carefully selected. After cooking, you wrap them up with korea-lily leaves, with the sauce. It's not greasy at all. It tastes great!"

Xiao Meng is just one of many young Chinese people who share an affection for South Korean food.

Korean entertainment is also popular in China. Xiao Ling is a college student and says there is a reason why some of her schoolmates like Korean TV shows.

"South Korean TV programs are very well produced, including the selection of actors and actresses, visual effects, and scenery, they are all very delicate. That's maybe why Korean TV has been so popular here for so many years."

The popularity of Korean music, TV and culture is boosting the Korean catering business in Beijing. Guan Dianchen is the manager of a Korean cuisine restaurant at Wudaokou.

"Just because of the South Korean TV show - You Who Came From The Stars - our sales volume doubled! The show and its cultural significance boosted the business of Korean restaurants. In the past, our sales were just so-so. But later, with the popularizing of Korean culture, like movies and TV, more and more people have come to Wangjing and Wudaokou to enjoy Korean food."

Wudaokou and Wangjing are the two places in Beijing with the most Korean businesses and people. In the catering business for 8 years, Guan says he is very optimistic about the Korean food market in China.

"The market is very prosperous. Not only Wudaokou and Wangjing but the whole of Beijiing has Korean restaurants. People like the taste of Korean food. It has a light taste and is healthy. I think the business will be even better if China and South Korea increase communication in culture and other areas."

In fact, the relationship works both ways. Guan Dianchen says Chinese culture and food is also having an impact on Korean people.

"My Korean friend owns a restaurant in China. He says, back in South Korea, Chinese food is also very popular, like fried dishes, hot pot, spicy pot and dumpling, all very popular among Korean people. My friend says, for a 3-floor Chinese restaurant in Korea, the business can be good for the whole day."