How My Unexpected PhD Journey in the UK Led to a Scone Debate

(Originally written in Korean on Brunch in November 2020, now reworked for an international audience.)

An Unplanned Journey to the UK

I never expected to study in the UK. My original plan was to complete my Master’s degree in Japan and continue research there. But life had other plans.

One day, I received an unexpected scholarship offer to pursue a PhD in the UK. It was a surprising opportunity, and after careful consideration, I decided to take the leap. Looking back, this twist of fate shaped not only my academic career but also my perspective on cultural differences—especially when it comes to food traditions.

A Smooth Transition (At Least Linguistically!)

Unlike Japan, where I had to navigate a completely different language system, adjusting to life in the UK was relatively easier in terms of communication. English felt more accessible than Japanese, and this gave me more freedom to explore British culture beyond just academic life.

My time in the UK was not just about research. It was a period of discovery—visiting museums, experiencing the theater scene in London, traveling across Europe, and, of course, diving deep into British food culture.

Discovering the British Scone Debate: Cream First or Jam First?

One of the most unexpected cultural debates I encountered in the UK wasn’t about politics or history—it was about scones.

In Devon, people insist that the proper way to eat a scone is by spreading clotted cream first, then adding jam on top. Meanwhile, in Cornwall, the exact opposite is preferred: jam first, then cream.

This seemingly trivial difference sparks passionate debates, much like a well-known Korean food controversy: the 탕수육 (tangsuyuk) debate.

What Is the Korean 탕수육 Debate?

If you’ve never had 탕수육 (tangsuyuk) before, it’s a popular Korean-Chinese dish similar to sweet and sour pork. The dish consists of deep-fried pork pieces coated in a crispy batter, served with a tangy, slightly thick sweet-and-sour sauce.

Now, the real debate isn’t about the taste but how to eat it.

There are two rival camps in Korea:

1. 부먹 (Bumeok, “Pour It Over”) – These people pour the sauce directly over the crispy pork, letting it soak in.

2. 찍먹 (Jjimeok, “Dip It”) – Others insist that the sauce should be served separately so they can dip each piece and maintain the crunchiness.

Both sides argue passionately, much like the Devon vs. Cornwall scone battle in the UK. Just as Koreans have playful (and sometimes heated) discussions about whether to pour or dip their 탕수육, British people have surprisingly strong opinions about the proper way to layer jam and cream on scones.

The Mathematical Formula for the Perfect Scone?

Believe it or not, a British mathematician even published a paper analyzing the ideal ratio of scone, cream, and jam for the perfect bite. His conclusion? A 2:1:1 ratio—two parts scone, one part cream, and one part jam.

But the real question remains: which goes first? The debate continues, with news outlets like The Guardian and BBC regularly covering the controversy.

How Scones Connect to My PhD Journey

At first glance, my PhD journey in the UK and a debate about scones might seem unrelated. But in a way, both are about embracing cultural differences and finding humor in them.

I never expected that a simple food item could spark such passionate discussions in a foreign country, just as I never expected to study there in the first place. But these experiences, both big and small, shaped my understanding of British culture—and deepened my appreciation for the subtle (and not-so-subtle) ways food reflects identity.

Now that I’m back in Asia, I see scones appearing more frequently in Korean cafés, often with creative variations like green tea scones or sweet potato scones. Just as British people debate over the proper way to enjoy their tea-time treats, Koreans continue their lighthearted battle over 탕수육.

In the end, whether it’s jam first or cream first, pouring or dipping sauce, I’ve learned that the best way to experience a culture is to embrace its quirks and join the conversation—even if it’s just about food.

What Do You Think?

Are you team Devon (cream first) or Cornwall (jam first)?

And if you’ve ever had Korean 탕수육, are you team 부먹 (pour) or team 찍먹 (dip)?

I’d love to hear your thoughts in the comments below!