Bungeoppang, whether you heard it through the news or saw it in a Korean television show, is one of the most famous foods that symbolize Korean street foods in the winter. Various Korean foods are marketed and made similar to the food Bungeoppang, as it symbolizes the hot and delicious food that shows warmth in Winter’s cold days.
Bugeoppang was first based on the Japanese food of “tayiaki” and was first introduced to Korea, during the Japanese government’s rule over Korea in the 1930s during the 2nd world war. After changes in its shape (which became more carved), Bungeoppang peaked in popularity during the post-korean war, and became the symbol of hope in the future. In a fast pace Bungeoppang became a part of the various foods in Korean culture, representing warmth in the cold winter nights. Further highlighted nowadays, Bungeoppang is also shown in the marketing parts in different foods such as ice cream, as now we have the famous “Bungasamnco”(붕어싸망코)” which has became a popular sensation in Korean ice cream.
Nowadays, Bungeoppang can be seen in the streets, in places like (홍대) hongdae, or Itaewon(이태원). Even today, many Korean families classify it as a staple “winter food” that fills your mouth with warmth against the winter cold.
Works Cited
Ford, Holly. “Bungeoppang Recipe (Korean Fish-Shaped Taiyaki Bread).” Beyond Kimchee, 16 Oct. 2023, www.beyondkimchee.com/bungeoppang/.
https://koreajoongangdaily.joins.com. “Korea JoongAng Daily.” Joins.com, 8 Dec. 2023, koreajoongangdaily.joins.com/news/2023-12-08/englishStudy/appendix/Bungeoppang-A-Comforting-Embrace-of-Tradition-Photo-Essay-Contest/1931178. Accessed 17 Nov. 2024.
Sue. “Bungeoppang (Korean Fish Shaped Pastry).” My Korean Kitchen, 4 Feb. 2017, mykoreankitchen.com/bungeoppang/.