Now In Korea
Crispy first bite, melt-in-your-mouth second... Mindful enjoyment like Lunar New Year
Creatrip Team
a year ago
Lunar New Year, known as 'Seol' in Korea, is one of the two largest traditional holidays, akin to Chuseok. During this festive season, families gather and enjoy various traditional foods, including Han-gwa (Korean traditional sweets). Han-gwa is a term referring to traditional Korean confectionery such as Yakgwa and Yu-gwa, which are deep-fried delicacies coated with honey or rice syrup.
Yakgwa is one popular variant especially appreciated by the younger generation today, known for its sweet and chewy texture. It is part of the broader category of Yu-gwa, which involves honey and oil in the making process.
Such traditional sweets have been an integral part of Korean culture since the Silla dynasty, with their recipes often handed down through generations. They are more than just snacks but hold cultural significance, often appearing in important ceremonies like weddings and ancestral rituals.
The article touches on how Han-gwa, like many cultural foods, faced adaptation through interactions with neighboring countries such as China and Japan, and yet maintained its unique identity. Nowadays, Han-gwa attracts attention internationally, aligning with the current trend of Korean traditional products gaining global fame.
The author also highlights the cross-cultural exchanges in food development, illustrating how Korean food, through time and globalization, adapts and yet retains its cultural essence. Moreover, delights like K-Hoddeok, a variant of a sweet pancake filled with brown sugar or sometimes savory fillings like japchae, attract both locals and tourists, adding another facet to Korea's rich culinary backdrop.
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