Songpyeon

Songpyeon (Korean pronunciation: [sʰoŋpʰjʌn]) is a traditional Korean food made of glutinous rice. It is a type of tteok, consisting of small rice cakes traditionally eaten during the Korean autumn harvest festival, Chuseok. They have become a popular symbol of traditional Korean culture. Songpyeon are half-moon-shaped rice cakes that contain different kinds of sweet or semi-sweet fillings, such as sesame seeds and honey, sweet red bean paste, and chestnut paste steamed over a layer of pine needles, which gives them the fragrant smell of fresh pine trees. They were made into various shapes with the participation of family members and were often exchanged between neighbors.

Songpyeon is a type of rice cake made by kneading rice powder with hot water and stuffing the dough with beans, sesame, chestnuts and other fillings. Songpyeon can be made into many different colors using different types of rice powder and dough. The different colors can create many unique flavors. Songpyeon is one of the main dishes that are made and served during Chuseok. They can be bought at Korean street markets or at stores that serve food. Songpyeon is also one of the most popular homemade Korean dishes during this holiday. Many families will buy supplies and make their own songpyeon. Songpyeon is given to family members and close neighbors, as giving a neighbor songpyeon will be seen as respecting them. Homemade Songpyeon is tried to be made as pretty as possible because Koreans have a strong belief that if you can create a pretty songpyeon, you will have a beautiful daughter. Songpyeon is also known as half-moon shaped rice cakes. Many Korean families say that Chuseok would not be complete without half-moon shaped rice cakes.