8 Korean Food with Special Meaning

Does what you’re eating mean what you think it means?

‘Janchi guksu’ noodles for a long and happy life

Noodles in Korea symbolize longevity and good health. Traditionally served at weddings, janchi guksu (literally “banquet noodles”) is made with wheat noodles in an anchovy-based broth, topped with vegetables, as a good-luck gesture for the newlyweds.

Samgyetang to cool down on ‘boknal’

On the hottest summer days of the year (boknal), Koreans line up for steaming bowls of chicken ginseng soup (samgyetang)—a tradition rooted in the belief “yi yeol chi yeol” (fight heat with heat).

Become one year older with ‘tteokguk’

Eaten on Lunar New Year, tteokguk (rice cake soup) symbolizes growing one year older and welcoming prosperity.

Chase away bad spirits with ‘patjuk’

This red bean porridge is eaten on the winter solstice to drive away evil spirits.

Pass your exams with ‘yeot’

Sticky Korean toffee, given to students as a symbol of “sticking” to their studies.

Ensure a healthy year with ‘bureom’

Assorted nuts cracked on the first full moon of the lunar year for health and strong teeth.

Recover after giving birth with ‘miyeokguk’

Seaweed soup for new mothers, also eaten on birthdays.

Increase stamina with ‘bokbunja’

A Korean black raspberry wine, once believed to boost vitality.

Discover more with Korean Gourmet Hunters and taste more than 10 Korean dishes