Introduction
Chuseok offers a wide variety of special meals, particularly those that are consumed primarily on this festival or for other special occasions. Seeing these foods in one of your favorite K-Dramas is a terrific opportunity to learn more about them! Here's a look at some of the most famous Chuseok meals that have appeared in your favorite K-Drama series if you're a foodie at heart as well as a fan of the genre.
1. Japchae: Stir-Fried Glass Noodles
Stir-fried glass noodles, veggies, and frequently a choice of meat or shellfish combine to create the vibrant dish known as japchae. Seasoned with sesame oil and soy sauce, the dish becomes visually appealing and tasty, making it a favorite choice for festivities and holidays.
The drama True Beauty features a moment when Joo-kyung and Su-ho are seen enjoying a japchae dish in episode 3. The meal is a mainstay in both daily life and Chuseok celebrations because of its adaptability and charm!
2. Jeon: A Tasty Variety
Jeon is the name given to a variety of delicious Korean pancakes cooked with meat, seafood, or vegetables that are pan-fried to golden perfection after being gently coated in flour and egg. Common types of jeon include pajeon (scallion pancakes), kimchijeon (kimchi pancakes), and dongtaejeon (pollock pancakes).
Pajeon appears as a dish in a segment of the K-drama Love Next Door, and there's even an adorable behind-the-scenes video that demonstrates how actor Jeong Somin makes it!
3. Songpyeon: The Star of Chuseok
Without songpyeon, the half-moon-shaped rice cake stuffed with sweet contents like red bean paste, sesame seeds, or chestnuts, no Chuseok celebration is complete. In addition to representing the harvest moon, this treat also has deeper cultural meaning, signifying thanksgiving for the year's produce and optimism for a happy future.
One scene in episode 13 of the television series Start Up shows Dal-mi and Ji-pyeong, two of the major characters, collaborating to create songpyeon. That's made much more delicious by the way the show captures a cute montage of its creation!
And if you're a true sweet-treat fan, don't forget to check out this month's Seoulbox, full of sweet goodies just for you!
4. Tteokguk: Rice Cake Soup
Although tteokguk is traditionally associated with Seollal (Lunar New Year), it sometimes makes an appearance during Chuseok as well. This hearty soup is created with sliced rice cakes in a flavorful broth; seaweed, egg, and meat are frequently added as garnish. The dish is a fitting addition to any joyful feast because it represents development and prosperity.
In the drama Hotel Del Luna, IU plays the amazing Manwol, who is 1,300 years old. She claims that every bowl of tteokguk consumed adds one year to one's age! This play offers an entertaining look into the traditional Korean food tteokguk, which is a vital component of cultural ceremonies that link the past and present. The dish represents longevity and the passing of time.
Conclusion
In addition to being entertaining, K-Dramas provide an insight into the diverse fabric of Korean society, as food plays a major part in many of the narratives. These dramas' depictions of Chuseok cuisine go beyond simple meals; they serve as a means of strengthening relationships, upholding customs, and commemorating life's blessings.
Take a moment to enjoy the cuisine on screen this Chuseok while you watch your favorite K-Dramas. Who knows? Perhaps some of these recipes will inspire you to try preparing them at home and bring a flavor of Chuseok inside!
Image Credits:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=11Ek7tMBhY8
Author: Ella
