VOL.93/2026.04

From Taste to Sentiment - Bridging the Korean Food Experience with Anyway, Tteokbokki

 

 

2026.02

 

 

 

In this survey, "Eating Korean food (samgyeopsal, chimaek)" was selected as the "No. 1 activity people want to do in Korea." It shows that the "pleasure of eating"—often the first thing that comes to mind when thinking of Korea—remains a powerful attraction. In particular, the communal dining culture ofgrilling samgyeopsal together, or enjoyment of friedchicken and beer known as chimaek,are experienced easily accesible during travel, which seems to have led to the high preference.As such, an interest that starts with "taste" naturally expands into the atmosphere and sentiments unique to Korean food, and further into the relationships people share through dining.

 

 

 

 

 

In that sense, I recommend Yozoh's Anyway, Tteokbokki. This book centers on tteokbokki, a dish frequently mentioned as a "hot" menu item in the recent. For Koreans, tteokbokki represents a lifestyle culture that ranging from street stalls to modern franchises, serving as a dish that evokes distinct memories across generations. Rather than a recipe book or a restaurant guide, this essay collection captures memonets of life—childhood memories, chatter with friends, and the comfort needed to endure a long day—through the medium of tteokbokki, Korean‘s representative “soul food.“ Through scenes of eating tteokbokki, the author transcends the simple sensation of "deliciousness" to delicately captures the mood of a specific day, the atmosphere of a place, and the warmth of the person sitting next to them. As you read, you naturally come to understand that tteokbokki is not just a spicy dish. For some, it is a reward after exams; for others, a small ritual to soothe the heart on the way home from work; and at times, an excuse to reconnect with someone.

 

Above all, Anyway, Tteokbokki conveys in warm language exactly that makes the "experience of eating in Korea" so special: the food in Korea often serves as a medium to bring people together, spark conversations, and share emotions. Much like the shared moments of grilling samgyeopsal to make ssam (lettuce wraps) or laughing over chimaek, tteokbokki is a food that brings people closer—whether standing side-by-side at a street stall or sitting face-to-face at a table. This book is a perfect fit for readers who wish to remember Korea through its "tastes," and for those who want to feel the texture of daily life hidden behind those flavors.

 

 

 

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Edited by The Contents Factory Co., Ltd.