Episode 2: Winter, Bungeoppang, and the Rise of “Bung-se-kwon”

In today’s newsletter:

• What is Bungeoppang?: Discover the story of Korea’s fish-shaped winter treat. 🐟

• Bung-se-kwon Explained: Why bungeoppang zones are Korea’s sweetest real estate trend. 📍

• Head or Tail?: The great debate about how to eat this iconic pastry. 🤔

• Must-Visit Spots: Top 3 places in Seoul for bungeoppang lovers! 🍠

KOREAN CULTURE

What Is Bungeoppang? 🍪

Let’s dive into the story of bungeoppang—Korea’s beloved fish-shaped pastry. 🐟 If you’ve ever watched Korean dramas or visited Korea in winter, you’ve probably seen people enjoying this warm, sweet snack on the street. But have you noticed it’s almost impossible to find in summer? 🌞

Why Is It a Winter Treat? ❄️

The answer lies in its filling. Traditionally, bungeoppang was filled with red bean paste, which spoils quickly in warm weather. 🌡️ That’s why it became a popular winter snack—freshly made, steaming hot, and perfect for cold days. 🥰 Over time, it grew to symbolize the cozy, comforting vibe of Korean winters.

Where Have All the Stalls Gone? 🛒

Spotting a bungeoppang stall on a freezing day feels like finding treasure. 💎 However, these stalls are becoming harder to find. 😞 Rising ingredient costs and labor expenses have made it difficult for vendors to stay in business. To counter this, Koreans began sharing bungeoppang stall locations, even creating maps 🗺️ to help others track down the nearest vendor.

The Rise of “Bung-se-kwon” 📍

This is where the term “Bung-se-kwon” comes in. It refers to areas near bungeoppang stalls, much like:

• “Yeok-se-kwon”: Zones near subway stations 🚇.

• “Soop-se-kwon”: Zones near forests 🌳.

• “Mac-se-kwon”: Zones near McDonald’s 🍔.

It’s a fun way to celebrate the joy of living close to something you love, and for many Koreans, that’s bungeoppang! 🥯

Bungeoppang is Delicious, but Watching It Being Made Is Just as Fun! 🍪🔥

One of the joys of bungeoppang isn’t just eating it—it’s watching it being baked. The rhythmic process of pouring the batter, adding fillings, closing the mold, and flipping it is almost mesmerizing. It’s a small moment of relaxation, helping you forget the fatigue of the day. 😊

IF YOU WANT TO FEEL THE REAL WINTER ATMOSPHERE IN KOREA, CLICK HERE! ❄️🐟✨

Head or Tail? The Great Debate 🤔

Here’s a fun cultural question: Do you eat the head first or the tail? 🐟
The filling tends to be concentrated in the body, making the head softer and the tail crispier. This debate has been a long-standing topic of discussion among Koreans. 🗣️

If you’re planning a trip to Korea, here are three must-visit bungeoppang spots that are so unique, they’ve earned a loyal following! 🌬️

Extra Tip: Must-Try Bungeoppang Spots in Korea 🍠🐟

1. Namyeong Carp Bread 🏙️
   📍 252 Cheongpa-ro, Yongsan-gu, Seoul (https://maps.app.goo.gl/dW368jdcXwDmrrBQ6)

   Known for its bungeoppang with incredibly generous fillings, this spot is a paradise for red bean lovers. 🫘

2. Red Sweet Potato Bungeoppang 🍠
   📍 74 Cheongpa-ro 47-gil, Yongsan-gu, Seoul

   (https://maps.app.goo.gl/xXJgcRiJvaUyj8UQA)
   This one-of-a-kind bungeoppang features sweet potato filling and a vibrant red dough, making it as delicious as it is Instagram-worthy! 📸

3. Hyo-gong Carp Bread (Food Truck) 🚚
   📍 142 Hyochangwon-ro, Yongsan-gu, Seoul

   (https://maps.app.goo.gl/k12NfBnrdbgUd9u26)
   This vendor operates from a food truck, offering a creative twist on the classic bungeoppang. Their kimchi bungeoppang is a savory must-try for adventurous foodies! 🌶️

Travel Tip 🕒

Be prepared to wait at least 30 minutes at these popular spots. Bring a warm drink ☕ and enjoy the anticipation—it’s all part of the experience!

Your Conversation Starter 💬

Next time, ask your friends:
“Do you know what bung-se-kwon is? And do you start eating bungeoppang from the head or the tail?”
Not only will you impress them with your knowledge, but you’ll also spark a lively conversation! 🎉

Coming Up Next: Episode 3! 🦑
I’m so excited for the next issue of my newsletter! In Episode 3, we’ll dive into the world of Squid Game—exploring hidden meanings and cultural details you might have missed.

And with Season 2 coming out soon, it’s the perfect time to refresh your memory and get ready for the next chapter! Stay tuned—it’s going to be thrilling! 🎮🍭✨