The Kuroshio Current (KC), often referred to as the “Black Stream,” is a powerful ocean current that includes parts of the Philippines, China, Korea, Taiwan, and Japan before merging with the broader North Pacific Current. The current is named after the Japanese word “kuroshio”, which means “black stream”. The Kuroshio is one of the strongest in the world, and it plays a key role in shaping the climate and marine ecosystems of Jeju Island.

The KC is formed when the warm, tropical waters of the Philippine Sea converge with the cold, nutrient-rich waters of the North Pacific. The warm waters flow northward, while the colder waters sink southward. This mixing of warm and cold waters creates a home to many species of marine life, including fish, whales, and dolphins and it serves Jeju people to have many options in marine cuisine. Adding on to this fact, its influences reaches far beyond its physical reach, seeping into the cultural aspects of the countries it embraces.

The KC has played an influential role in shaping the cultural fabric of these nations, fostering unexpected connections that bridge borders. This article delves into the remarkable cultural similarities that arise among countries sharing the Kuroshio Current.

From the love of seafood to the use of similar ingredients and cooking techniques, culinary traditions along the Kuroshio Current have a striking resemblance. The Kuroshio’s bounty brings forth a shared appreciation for the ocean’s offerings, creating a mouthwatering thread that unites these nations. Also, the most interesting part about this topic is how both Okinawa and Jeju Island are volcanic islands that share same problems when it comes to farming that having a limited chance to grow certain types of vegetables. For that reason, they both domesticated pigs, not on a large scale but just a few pigs per residence around 6000-10000 years ago; originating from the north coast of the Philippines.

As it happens, some of the festivals and celebrationsof some of the aforementioned countries are quite similar to each other. Taiwan’s Lantern Festival, Japan’s Hanami, and the Philippines’ Kadayawan Festival, as well as the Jeju’s Cherry Blossom Festival all embody a deep respect for nature, and a spirit of community. These shared traditions highlight the harmonious relationship between humans and the environment, emphasizing the interplay of culture and nature that the KC has fostered.