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| Han Jung-sook poses at the Taereung National Training Center. |
This is the sixth in a series of interviews with Korean national athletes and coaches preparing for the Incheon Asian Games. ― ED.
By Kim Tae-jong
Han Jung-sook is regarded as "mom" at the Taereung National Training Center located on the northeastern outskirts of Seoul.
As expected of a good mother, the 50-year-old veteran nutritionist sees to it that hundreds of athletes currently in training for the upcoming Incheon Asian are well fed.
"I cook as if I am serving my own son and daughter," Han told The Korea Times in a recent interview. Han, who has worked at the training center for 27 years, is particularly busy ahead of the Incheon Games.
More than 30 veteran cooks work under her.
For a day's training, most athletes need to consume about 5,500 calories, compared to the 2,500 required of the average adult male.
"I plan out a nutrition chart and order ingredients accordingly," Han said. "Cooking begins as early as 4:30 a.m. A few of my staff stay overnight because some athletes want food late at night or early in the morning after additional individual training."
She prepares about 60 different dishes to please everyone's taste buds, which are then offered as a buffet. Athletes can also ask Han to make special meals.
Han said that the athletes are no different from ordinary Koreans in terms of their favorite dishes ― "jjajangmyeon" or noodles in a black bean sauce, and "jjamppong" or Chinese-style hot noodles with seafood, which are enjoyed by people at local Chinese restaurants.
"Jjajangmyeon and jjamppong are always popular, although sometimes they ask me for dishes such as lobster or 'padak,' (fried chicken served with green onion and mustard sauce)," Han said.
Individual athletes also have their own preferences, and some require special diets.
"Korea's top female fencer Nam Hyun-hee enjoys sweet potato, while those involved in judo just eat large quantities, especially Ban Ki-man," she said.
"We always keep an eye on athletes' reactions when they eat. We also ask for feedback on new dishes too. If they are unhappy about a new item on the menu, even if it is a very trivial matter, we never put it back on the menu." Han said. "But of course, our main focus is to provide healthy and safe dishes."
Han began her career as a nutritionist for national athletes in 1987. She worked at the Jinhae Training Center in South Gyeongsang Province to prepare for the Seoul Olympics in 1988, and moved to the Taereung Center in 1996.
Han said that she thinks it is a great honor to work for athletes competing for the nation.
"I still think it's my mission to keep inventing new menus that can satisfy my children and enrich their condition," said Han.
Korea Times intern Kim Jae-heun contributed to this report.
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