Abstract
This study was carried out to investigate the perception and preference of the Korean gruels. The survey was conducted among housewives living in Seoul and Gyeonggi province using a questionnaire during September 2008. The responses of 313 housewives were analyzed by SPSS program. The results were as follows. The gruel served as a dainty or therapeutic diet. Among the subjects, 37.2% liked gruel because of 'special treat' or 'easy to digest', The reason of dislike of gruel was absence of chew or cumbersome cooking. They usually cooked gruel at home, and considered that goods on the market were expensive or unsanitary. The highly perceptive gruel was Potjook, Dakjook, Hobakjook. Jeonbokjook, Hobakjook, Dakjook were mostly preferred in order. Socio-demographic factors didn't affect the awareness of gruel, but there were significant correlations between the preference of gruel and the state of employment or monthly income. It is necessary to develop various and convenient to cook gruels to be consumed, riding on the trend of well-being and slow-food.