Soybeans are produced in large amounts around the world. In Asian countries, soybeans have been used
mostly as a source of food, and in Western countries, they have been used as animal feed and in non-food
products. However, since scientific evidence of the dietary benefits of soybeans has been published, the
use of soybeans as a food ingredient has increased. In Asia, soybeans have been used in various ways on
their own and also combined with fermented products to be used as seasonings or side dishes. According
to some sources, the use of soybeans in Korea dates back to B.C. Currently, more research is being
conducted on soybeans, and the benefits of fermented soybean products are coming to light.