I'm having trouble grasping the meaning of the following sentence, especially what 그들이 refers to. I guess it refers to the noble and rich? And 이땅=the barbarian lands? Hoping someone can confirm for me. (This text is a Korean scholar's translation of an excerpt from an ancient Chinese book.)
맥적이란 이민족의 음식물인데도 태시 이래로 중국 사람이 이것을 즐겨, 귀인이나 부잣잡의 잔치에 반드시 내놓고 있으니 이것은 그들이 이 땅을 침범할 징조라.
Here's my translation:
Although maekjeok [bulgogi] is the food of barbarians, the fact that Chinese people have enjoyed it for so long, and that the feasts of every noble or rich house must have it, are signs that they might have to invade!
맥적이란 이민족의 음식물인데도 태시 이래로 중국 사람이 이것을 즐겨, 귀인이나 부잣잡의 잔치에 반드시 내놓고 있으니 이것은 그들이 이 땅을 침범할 징조라.
Here's my translation:
Although maekjeok [bulgogi] is the food of barbarians, the fact that Chinese people have enjoyed it for so long, and that the feasts of every noble or rich house must have it, are signs that they might have to invade!