tteokguk

Dish information

Tteokguk (떡국) is a quintessential Korean soup, deeply embedded in the nation's New Year traditions. Consisting primarily of thinly sliced garaetteok (cylinder-shaped rice cakes) in a clear broth, its consumption is believed to grant good luck and an additional year of age on Seollal, the Lunar New Year. The white rice cakes symbolize purity and a clean start, while their coin-like oval shape represents prosperity. Historical records suggest that tteokguk has been part of Korean New Year celebrations for centuries, with early mentions dating back to the Joseon Dynasty. It was considered a dish of great significance, often prepared with ingredients like beef broth or pheasant, symbolizing wealth and status. The practice of increasing one's age by a year on New Year's Day (instead of individual birthdays) is a unique cultural aspect tied to this dish, known as 'ttoekguk-han-sSal.' Families gather to share this comforting soup, often garnished with jidan (egg strips), gim (seaweed), and sometimes meat for a richer flavor. The simple yet profound meaning behind tteokguk makes it more than just a meal; it's a centuries-old ritual signifying hope, renewal, and family unity.

Timeline

• 1600s

  Earliest records of tteokguk being consumed during the Korean New Year in the Joseon Dynasty.

  ---

• ---

  1800s

  Tteokguk becomes firmly established as a traditional dish for Seollal (Lunar New Year).

  ---

• ---

  1950s

  Post-Korean War, tteokguk remains a staple, often made with diverse broths due to ingredient availability.