Introduction
It’s a well-known fact that South Korea is famous for their delicious food. However, there’s also a spooky side to the dishes as many Koreans believe that there are certain foods that can repel evil spirits and negative energies. These beliefs are a part of Korean culture and in this article, we’ll explore some interesting food items thought to ward off malevolent forces and even bring good fortune.
Let's get right into it!
Red Beans (Pat)
Known as Pat in Korean, red beans are believed to have certain properties that can protect someone from negative energies. Especially in East Asian folklore, red beans are commonly used in rituals and ceremonies to repel evil spirits.
During festivities in Korea, you can find red beans scattered around homes or cooked in certain dishes to keep the dark spirits at bay. That’s because it’s believed that the bold red color of the beans itself has the power to ward off malevolent forces.
This october, you can keep the evil spirits away at bay with by enjoying Sweet Red Bean Jelly Apple Mango -- so delicious, no spirit would dare come near!
Garlic
Garlic, one of the most famous ingredients to repel vampires, has seen its fair share of fame in many folklores. It has traditionally been used as a deterrent to evil spirits. To protect themselves, many would smear garlic on their children's foreheads, eat it, or wear it around their necks.
Some believe that garlic is a Christic plant because it has the sign of the cross on it, while others believe that it doesn’t just ward off vampires but also evil spells, spirits, and black magic.
You can drive away all negative energies around you with Spicy Garlic Clam Ramyun! The bold garlic flavor is sure to protect you but also satisfy your hunger.
Try our October Spooky Seoulbox for exclusive Korean snacks, drinks, and sweets! Get a box delivered straight to your door and bring in positive energy with the latest eerie flavors from Korea!
Salt
Salt is well-known for its protective attributes in various cultures, including South Korea. Traditionally, salt is sprinkled around homes or used in different rituals and ceremonies to ward off evil spirits and bad energy. This practice is deeply rooted in the belief that salt has properties that purify and shields against dark forces.
For example, similar to other cultures, when there’s important ceremonies such as housewarming or an unfortunate event, Koreans may sprinkle salt at the entrance of their house to cleanse the space and to bring in lots of positive energy.
If you're looking for some positive energy yourself, try out Yegam Cheese Gratin Potato Chips from our October Spooky Seoulbox! The saltiness is sure to keep all the negative energies away!
Mugwort (Ssuk)
Mugwort is also known as Ssuk and is valued for its purifying properties. Mugwort is believed to have abilities such as cleansing places and protection against evil spirits. Just like red beans, mugworts are used in rituals and ceremonies– burned as incense to purify the air and to ward off negative energies.
Koreans use mugwort to make ssuk-beomul, a slightly sweet rice cake made from mugwort and rice flour – believed to bring good fortune and health.
Gochu Peppers
While gochu peppers are celebrated for their heat and unique flavor, they hold cultural significance as well. Hung near entrances, gochu peppers are believed to cleanse impurities and chase away evil spirits, especially during significant life events like the birth of a son. The red color of the pepper symbolizes the sun, and its spicy flavor is thought to ward off bad forces.
Conclusion
In South Korea, food isn't just for eating—it's also believed to protect against evil spirits. From garlic and red beans to mugwort and salt, these everyday ingredients play a special role in Korean culture. People use them in meals, ceremonies, and even around their homes to keep bad luck away and invite good fortune. This shows how deeply connected food is to Korean traditions and beliefs.
So, the next time you enjoy Korean cuisine, remember that some dishes might be doing more than just satisfying your hunger—they could be keeping the spirits at bay too!
Image Sources:
https://www.maangchi.com/ingredient/red-peppers
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Korean_brining_salt
http://bburikitchen.com/recipe-ssuk-gae-tteok-mugwort-rice-cake
https://kimchimari.com/ingredient/red-bean-pat/
https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/life-style/food-news/5-ways-to-use-garlic-for-effective-weight-loss/articleshow/105445535.cms
