Korean culture was shaped by its history of invasions and foreign influence. Koreans developed a cuisine centered around rice, soup, and side dishes. After Japan introduced peppers, Korean food became known for its spiciness. Frequent invasions by China and Japan made Koreans cautious and temperamental. The Korean War weakened trust in the government and led some to embrace socialism and its emphasis on equality and collectivism. Originally, Koreans followed shamanism, and the monotheism of Christianity helped it spread rapidly there.