Tradition
Songpyeon is a representative traditional food of Korea, typically made during Chuseok, a harvest festival where families gather. The round and crescent shapes of songpyeon symbolize the bountiful harvest of autumn, with fillings that represent love and dedication. Sharing songpyeon and stories with family during this time holds value beyond mere nourishment, strengthening family bonds across generations.
History
The origins of songpyeon trace back to Korea's ancient agrarian society. Farmers would craft these rice cakes in autumn to pray for a good harvest, a tradition that became integral to Chuseok. Songpyeon was significant even during the Three Kingdoms Period and recognized in the royal courts of the Joseon Dynasty. Over time, it evolved to reflect regional characteristics, offering diverse shapes and flavors.
Making Process
The traditional process of making songpyeon is labor-intensive and requires care. Glutinous rice flour is soaked and kneaded into a dough, then filled with ingredients such as beans, sesame seeds, or chestnuts. The dough is rolled thin, filled, and shaped into half-moons. Typically, songpyeon is steamed on a bed of pine needles, which imparts a unique aroma and prevents sticking during steaming.
Food Stories and How to Enjoy
Though primarily enjoyed during Chuseok, songpyeon is also cherished at various events due to its special symbolism. It pairs well with tea, particularly green or barley tea, enhancing its nutty and sweet flavors. Seasonal ingredients can be used to create new variations, such as mugwort songpyeon in spring or chestnut songpyeon in autumn, offering delightful interpretations.
Taste
The delicate rice flour shell of songpyeon combines with its varied fillings to create a distinctive taste. The more you chew, the more the nutty sesame and sweet red bean flavors envelop your palate, while the pine needle scent lightly lingers. The chewy texture is best appreciated when songpyeon is made with fresh ingredients and genuine care.
Recommended Eateries
Bangbae-dong Songpyeon Workshop - Located in Seocho-gu, Seoul, this place offers traditional yet creative flavor variations of songpyeon.
Gimpo Traditional Mill - Situated in Gimpo, Gyeonggi-do, it provides an authentic taste reminiscent of hometown flavors through old-fashioned methods.
Bukchon Songpyeon - Located in Bukchon, Jongno-gu, Seoul, this place lets you experience traditional songpyeon amidst the charm of hanoks.
Online Purchase Recommendations
Haeoreum Songpyeon Set - Haeoreum brand offers a traditional taste with modern packaging.
Nature's Songpyeon - Made with healthy ingredients, Nature's Songpyeon includes a variety of fillings for selection.
Everyone's Songpyeon - This set by Everyone’s Songpyeon offers various flavors that the whole family can enjoy.