Aspects of Vietnamese female marriage immigrants adapting to Korean food culture: Based on Berry's cultural adaptation theory

Objectives The purpose of this study is to apply Berry's acculturation theory to investigate the aspects of adaptation to the food culture of Vietnamese female marriage immigrants living in Korea, classify them into various adaptation types, and identify changes according to the period of residence. Methods This study targeted Vietnamese female marriage immigrants living in Incheon City. Participants were recruited by dividing them into three groups according to their residence period: less than 3 months, more than 3 years, and more than 6 years. Based on Berry's acculturation theory, a questionnaire was developed to understand the food culture adaptation process of Vietnamese female marriage immigrants. Afterwards, in-depth interviews were conducted individually with the participants to understand in detail their experiences and feelings about adapting to the food culture. Results As a result of analyzing the aspects of Vietnamese female marriage immigrants' adaptation to food culture in Korea using Berry's acculturation theory, the change in food culture adaptation according to the period of residence successfully adapts through stages from initial rejection to intermediate integration and final assimilation. The result was derived. The group of residents who lived for less than 3 months faced language difficulties and cultural adaptation challenges, while the group who lived for more than 3 years faced new food diversity and difficulties with language communication. Additionally, the group of residents living for more than 6 years confirmed the need to overcome language difficulties and adapt to healthy food choices, spicy food, and delivery culture. Conclusions Based on these results, various policy support was proposed, taking into account the areas that require response depending on the period of residence.