Back to School Season in Korea

Introduction

In Korea, the back-to-school season is a significant event filled with excitement and tradition. As the new academic year begins, students, parents, and teachers alike prepare for a fresh start. From shopping for the perfect school supplies to enjoying in delicious snacks, this time of year is all about balancing the excitement of new beginnings with the comfort of familiar routines. Let’s dive into how Korea celebrates the back-to-school season, highlighting the fun activities, tasty snacks, and cultural nuances that make it a unique experience.

The Excitement of New Beginnings

This time of year is filled with anticipation as students prepare to return to the classroom or start school for the first time. For many, it’s a momentous occasion marked by new uniforms, fresh supplies, and the excitement of seeing friends and teachers after the winter break.

Shopping for the New School Year

One of the highlights of the back-to-school season in Korea is shopping for school supplies. Korean stationery is known for its creativity and high quality, making this a fun and colorful experience. From choosing the perfect set of pens and notebooks to picking out cute pencil cases and planners, students love to express their personalities through their school supplies.

Uniforms: A Symbol of New Beginnings

For students in Korea, a new school year often means a new uniform. The act of putting on a freshly pressed uniform signifies a new start, and many students take pride in wearing it. Whether it’s the classic navy and white ensemble or a more modern design, the school uniform is an integral part of the back-to-school experience in Korea.

Innovative Lunchboxes

In Korea, lunchboxes, or “dosirak,” are often lovingly packed by parents, featuring a balanced mix of rice, vegetables, proteins, and side dishes. Bento-style dosirak have become increasingly popular, with compartments for different foods, making lunch both nutritious and visually appealing. For students, opening a carefully prepared lunchbox is one of the highlights of the school day, a moment of comfort amidst the busy schedule.

And if you want to make this back-to-school season even more flavorful, try out our unique snacks, and you'll definitely enjoy them. Click below to try now.

 

1. Kimchi Cheese Rice Balls

Transform the classic kimchi fried rice into convenient, bite-sized balls perfect for snacking or a main dish.

Ingredients

• Rice Balls:
  • 2 cups day-old cooked rice
  • 1 cup kimchi, chopped
  • 1 tbsp unsalted butter
  • 2 tbsp kimchi juice
  • 1 tbsp soy sauce
  • 1 tsp gochujang
  • 1 tsp sesame oil
  • 2 tbsp grated Parmesan cheese
  • 1/4 cup mozzarella cheese, shredded
• Fry Coating:
  • 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
  • 2 eggs
  • 1 cup panko breadcrumbs
• Kimchi Mayo Sauce:
  • 1/4 cup Kewpie mayo
  • 1 tbsp kimchi juice
  • 1 garlic clove, grated

Instructions

1. Sauté kimchi in butter, add rice, season with kimchi juice, soy sauce, gochujang, sesame oil, and Parmesan.
2. Cool rice, form into balls with mozzarella in the center.
3. Coat in flour, egg, and panko; fry until golden.
4. Serve with kimchi mayo sauce.

For the full recipe, visit Jecca Chantilly.

2. Folded Kimbap

This trendy and fun social-media influenced recipe is a perfect and easy alternative to rolling your kimbap!

Ingredients

• Base:
  • 1/4 cup cooked rice
  • 1/4 teaspoon sesame oil
  • Salt to taste
  • 1 sheet of gim (seaweed)
• Protein Options:
  • Spam, canned tuna, fried egg, or cheese
• Vegetables:
  • Lettuce, cucumber, carrot, kimchi

Instructions

1. Mix rice with sesame oil and salt.
2. Prepare proteins and vegetables.
3. Cut a slit in the seaweed sheet and fill each quarter with ingredients.
4. Fold each quarter to form a layered square.

For detailed steps and variations, visit the original Korean Bapsang recipe.

 3. Gyeran-mari (Korean Rolled Omelette)

Who doesn't love adding a sweet treat to their daily meals? If you love sweet and savory treats, you'll adore Hobak Hotteok, a delicious pumpkin-stuffed Korean pancake. This delightful street food is perfect for satisfying your cravings with its chewy dough and rich filling.

Ingredients

• Dough:

  • 1 package active dry yeast (2-1/4 teaspoons)
  • ⅓ cup warm water
  • 2 tablespoons sugar
  • 1 tablespoon canola or corn oil
  • 1/2 cup warm milk
  • 1/2 cup warm kabocha or pumpkin puree
  • 1-3/4 cups all-purpose flour
  • 3/4 cup glutinous rice powder
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • Oil for pan frying

• Filling:

  • 1/4 cup sugar
  • 1/4 cup brown sugar
  • 1 teaspoon cinnamon powder
  • 3 tablespoons finely chopped assorted nuts (peanuts, walnuts, almonds, pine nuts, etc.)
  • 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract

For the complete recipe, visit Korean Bapsang.

Engaging in School and After-School Activities

The back-to-school season in Korea isn’t just about hitting the books; it’s also about engaging in activities that foster growth, fun, and a sense of community.

School Clubs and Activities

Korean schools offer a wide variety of clubs and extracurricular activities that allow students to explore their interests and develop new skills. Whether it’s joining a taekwondo club, participating in a traditional music group, or getting involved in student government, students have countless opportunities to engage in activities that go beyond academics. These clubs not only enrich the school experience but also help students form lasting friendships and build confidence.

After-School Hagwon Culture

In addition to school-based activities, many Korean students attend "hagwons," or private academies, after their regular school day. These academies offer extra tutoring in subjects like math, English, and science and are a common part of the Korean educational landscape. While the schedule can be rigorous, many students find hagwon classes beneficial and enjoy the social aspects of attending with friends. These sessions are often seen as a necessary part of achieving academic success, reflecting the high value placed on education in Korea.

Conclusion

The back-to-school season in Korea is a time of renewal and excitement, filled with delicious snacks, meaningful traditions, and the promise of new opportunities. As students don their uniforms, pack their lunchboxes, and prepare for the challenges and joys of a new academic year, they do so with a sense of pride and anticipation. Whether it’s through the joy of selecting new school supplies, the comfort of a well-packed lunchbox, or the thrill of after-school activities, the back-to-school season in Korea is a vibrant and essential part of student life. As the school bells ring and classrooms fill with eager learners, there’s no better time to embrace the energy and possibilities that come with a fresh start.

 

Image credits

https://www.koreanbapsang.com/folded-kimbap-or-gimbap/

https://jeccachantilly.com/kimchi-cheese-rice-balls/

https://www.maangchi.com/recipe/gyeran-mari

https://www.maangchi.com/recipe/tteokbokki

https://www.koreanbapsang.com/hobak-hotteok-sweet-stuffed-pumpkin/
https://eastasiaforum.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/2023-11-16T000601Z_830547260_RC2ZD4A72G4F_RTRMADP_3_SOUTHKOREA-EXAM-1024x683.jpg

 

Authors: Ella & Saher