Traditional Korean Yakgwa: A Rising K-Dessert Trend [Photo Essay Contest]
The Korea JoongAng Daily hosted its first photo essay contest for elementary, middle and high school students on the theme: “Promote the beauty of Korea to foreign countries." The contest ran from October to November. Photos containing scenes of traditional culture, family love, places to see and tasty treats in Korea were submitted for the contest.
Doyun “Alice” Nah from St. Johnsbury Academy Jeju won the participation prize in the middle school category for this photo essay.
At first glance it may seem unfamiliar, and indeed, it is exclusive to Korea despite its growing presence in foreign nations. Its well crafted shape captures one’s interest, while its delightful fragrance makes one’s mouth water. It feels sticky, but leaves nothing on the fingers. As it enters the mouth, the immediate response is a resounding “Mmmmm.”
Yakgwa, Korea’s traditional cookie with honey, syrup and supplementary ingredients such as ginger, has emerged as one of Korea’s most beautiful and cherished cultural assets. Yakgwa originates back from the Goryeo dynasty, and was a successful replacement of meat in rituals, as Buddhism, Goryeo’s national religion, forbade meat during ritual events. Eventually, yakgwa became so popular that Myeongjong and Gongminwang banned it due to scarce resources and rising prices. Despite these obstacles, yakgwa’s popularity persisted, and continues to thrive in the present day.
Thanks to its deep-rooted history and amazing taste, yakgwa is a significant part of modern Korean culture. Recently, social media has helped spread a retro trend, reconnecting people’s nostalgic sentiments and fostering an appreciation for traditional foods. In addition, the rise of mukbang videos, where filmmakers engage with viewers through shared culinary experiences, has significantly contributed to yakgwa’s global recognition.
Yakgwa is flourishing in modern society due to its experimental manufacturing. Yakgwa is not limited to traditional forms: yakgwa is way more friendly to modern tastes, and effectively targets numerous preferences. Modern yakgwa ranges from cookies to ice cream toppings, with flavors including ginger-honey, lavender, and chocolate. This expanded spectrum opened the door for more people to experience and enjoy this delicious treat.
Beyond its popularity, yakgwa holds profound significance. Through dashikpan, a tool used to imprint symbols on yakgwa, people bless the eater. For example, a fish, turtle, and plum blossom respectively symbolize prosperity, longevity, and elegance. Historically, yakgwa played a pivotal role in commemorating significant life events, including coming of age ceremonies, wedding, death, and death anniversaries, collectively known as gwan-hon-sang-je. In this way, yakgwa becomes a celebration of life and its various stages.
Given its exquisite flavors, rich history, remarkable popularity, and profound cultural significance, yakgwa is an undeniable gem of Korea, and a proud cultural heritage. Even if one lives outside Korea, one still has multiple opportunities to enjoy yakgwa through deliveries abroad or independent recipes, which means that everyone in this globe, young or old, rich or poor, Korean or non-Korean, can enjoy yakgwa. In a society of rapid manufacturing progress and technology, constant generation of ‘new’ treats are demanded. Therefore, as we take the next step forward, we should remember and honor the past, so that these glorious traditions will remain in the future.
By Doyun “Alice” Nah, St. Johnsbury Academy Jeju
with the Korea JoongAng Daily
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