In the immediate aftermath of the Korean War, average heights slightly declined, reflecting the severe biological stress of the period. Lack of proper nutrition during early childhood and adolescence significantly affected physical development. The food shortages led to the introduction of U.S. wheat, which changed the traditional diet, leading to increased consumption of bread and noodles. However, as nutritional availability improved, South Korea experienced one of the most rapid surges in human height ever recorded—men grew an average of 6 inches (15 cm) and women an astounding 8 inches (20 cm) over the last century.