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Showing posts with the label essence of tradition

Do You Know the Water Deer of Korea?

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AI-generated image depicting a Korean water deer, a wild animal native to Korea, in a natural Korean woodland setting. A Unique Mammal in the Deer Family Hello, dear readers! It has been a while since my last post. Today, I would like to introduce you to an animal that is very common in Korea but surprisingly rare from a global perspective: the Korean water deer. 1. What Kind of Animal Is the Water Deer? When talking about the mountains, fields, and natural landscapes of Korea, one wild animal that cannot be left out is the water deer. The water deer is a mammal belonging to the deer family, and its scientific name is Hydropotes inermis. It is commonly known in English as the Water Deer . The water deer is a very familiar animal in Korea. It is often found in agricultural fields, along streams, and in areas where mountains and open fields meet. Occasionally, it can even be seen in green spaces around cities. But there is an interesting fact about this animal. Although water deer are co...

All About Korean Tteok (Rice Cakes): Tradition and Modernity in a Chewy Delight

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Rice cakes such as Gyeongdan, Baekseolgi, and Honey Tteok arranged on a platter look delicious. Introduction — Korean tteok: a cultural symbol beyond a simple dessert Dear readers, greetings! Today, I would like to introduce you in detail to a traditional Korean food, tteok. This article will cover the origins, characteristics, varieties, and modern transformations of tteok, with the hope that it will help you, dear readers, gain a deeper understanding of Korean culture. Korean tteok (tteok) is not simply a food made primarily from rice. It is a cultural symbol that embodies the lives, history, and sentiments of the Korean people, and a traditional food handed down through generations. Often called “rice cake,” Korean tteok actually carries meanings and an identity that are quite distinct from Western rice cakes. Its chewy texture, delicate colors, and nutty or sweet flavors are distinctive charms unique to Korean tteok. Moreover, tteok is not merely something to eat; it also funct...