In 2025, Korean professional baseball is attracting spectators at the fastest pace in a decade.
With the influx of the MZ generation (Millennials + Generation Z) and their culture of attending games in person, the cheering atmosphere has become younger, and food trends have quickly expanded beyond traditional chicken and pizza to include unique menu items such as cup yukhoe, cup chimaek, cream shrimp, churros ice cream, and ice cream melon bread.
Diversification of Menus Beyond Chicken and Pizza, Including Cup Chimaek
Among these, cup yukhoe has drawn particular attention. This menu consists of raw beef, slushy broth, cucumber, and pear all served in a cup, making it a popular choice for its refreshing and convenient qualities, especially in hot weather.
The traditional Korean dish yukhoe has been transformed into a convenient meal enjoyed in popular venues like baseball stadiums. It has gained popularity through social networking services (SNS), leading to a variety of new recipes, such as adding yukhoe to bibim ramen or carbonara, or mixing it with buldak sauce. This demonstrates how the traditional image of yukhoe is being reinterpreted to suit the tastes and preferences of the younger generation.
However, since yukhoe is raw meat consumed without cooking, there is a risk of contamination by pathogenic microorganisms during manufacturing, distribution, and storage, so special caution is required.
Risk of Microbial Contamination During Manufacturing and Storage
In particular, if exposed to high temperatures or left at room temperature for long periods outdoors during the summer, pathogenic bacteria such as Salmonella and enterohemorrhagic E. coli, which can cause food poisoning, can multiply rapidly.
According to the monthly Salmonella food poisoning statistics from the Ministry of Food and Drug Safety for 2020 to 2024, cases occurring from July to September accounted for about 52% of the total cases.
Kim Jaehan, Director of Internal Medicine at Daedong Hospital (specialist in internal medicine), said, "In the rapidly changing food culture, it is natural to experience new foods, but it is important to be aware of their impact on health. Especially with raw meat dishes like yukhoe, there is an inherent risk of food poisoning, so safe consumption practices and hygiene management are essential. To maintain an enjoyable food culture while protecting your health, careful choices and appropriate caution are required."
When purchasing yukhoe, it is important to buy from reliable sellers certified by the Hazard Analysis and Critical Control Points (HACCP) system or with hygiene ratings.
Always Check Packaging Condition and Expiration Date
After purchase, check the packaging condition, packaging date, expiration date, color, and smell to ensure freshness, and consume it as soon as possible. Any leftovers should be discarded. If immediate receipt is not possible, it is advisable to refrain from online purchases.
If you experience sudden and severe abdominal pain, diarrhea, vomiting, nausea, high fever, or chills after consumption?symptoms suggestive of food poisoning?seek medical attention at a nearby healthcare facility immediately.
Infants, pregnant women, the elderly, those with chronic illnesses, and immunocompromised individuals are at higher risk of severe illness from food poisoning and should avoid consuming raw meat.
