Kfood, Tteokguk: A Warm Bowl to Start the Korean New Year!

What is Tteokguk? A Unique First Experience 

What do foreigners say when they try tteokguk for the first time? Many ask, "What kind of soup is this?" or "Why is it so chewy?" Tteokguk is a traditional dish that Koreans eat on New Year's Day, consisting of warm broth with chewy rice cakes. There is even a fun belief that eating tteokguk adds one more year to your age! 😆



Korea has two major holidays: Seollal (Lunar New Year) and Chuseok (Korean Thanksgiving). Among them, Seollal marks the beginning of a new year, and families gather to celebrate by eating tteokguk together. This makes tteokguk more than just a dish—it symbolizes a fresh start and carries deep cultural significance.

The broth is typically made from beef or ox bone stock, giving it a deep and rich flavor. It is topped with garnishes like beef, egg strips, dried seaweed, and green onions, which enhance its umami taste. The rice cakes, made from glutinous rice, soften slightly in the broth, providing a chewy yet delicate texture that warms both the body and soul!

🥄 What Does Tteokguk Taste Like?

One great thing about tteokguk is that it's not spicy, making it easy to enjoy for foreigners who are not used to spicy Korean food. Its clear and mild broth offers a comforting flavor that anyone can appreciate.

To sum up tteokguk’s flavor in one phrase: “A warm, savory dish with a soft yet chewy texture.”

  • Broth: Rich and savory, based on ox bone or beef stock

  • Rice Cake Texture: Soft but satisfyingly chewy

  • Toppings: Egg strips and dried seaweed add a nutty taste, while beef enhances the deep umami flavor

Compared to something like chicken noodle soup or creamy pasta, tteokguk has a lighter, clearer broth but a more interesting chewy texture. Once you try it, you'll find it hard to forget its unique charm!

🎯 Key Ingredients of Tteokguk

The ingredients of tteokguk are simple, but they come together to create a perfectly balanced dish.

✅ Rice Cakes (Tteok): Thinly sliced glutinous rice cakes (soft and chewy texture) ✅ Broth: Ox bone stock or beef broth (deep umami flavor) ✅ Toppings: Beef, egg strips, dried seaweed, green onions (enhancing taste and aroma) ✅ Seasoning: Salt, soy sauce, black pepper (to adjust flavor)

When these ingredients are combined and simmered, a delicious bowl of tteokguk is ready to enjoy! 🍲

🇰🇷 Where Can You Try Tteokguk in Korea?

If you visit Korea, tteokguk is a must-try dish. But where can you find it?

🛍 Traditional Markets & Local Eateries: Many traditional markets sell hearty, flavorful tteokguk. Places like Gwangjang Market and Namdaemun Market in Seoul are great spots to try it!

🍽 Korean Restaurants: You can also find tteokguk in many Korean restaurants. Famous eateries like Tosokchon Samgyetang and Imun Seolleongtang in Seoul serve delicious versions of the dish.

🏡 Cook It at Home!: You can easily make tteokguk at home by buying rice cakes and broth from a Korean grocery store. If you live abroad, try visiting an Asian supermarket to get the necessary ingredients!

✨ Final Thoughts: Don’t Miss Out on Tteokguk in Korea!

Tteokguk is not just another dish—it’s a symbolic food that marks the beginning of a new year for Koreans. Its warm broth and chewy rice cakes create a combination that is comforting and delicious. 😊

If you ever visit Korea, make sure to try tteokguk! Even if it's not New Year's, you can enjoy this dish anytime. 😉

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