Kimbap: Korea’s Iconic Seaweed Rice Roll Kimbap, also spelled gimbap, is one of Korea’s most beloved and versatile traditional foods. Often referred to as a “Korean sushi roll” by those unfamiliar, kimbap is distinct in flavor, preparation, and cultural significance. Packed with nutritious ingredients and easy to carry, it's a popular choice for picnics, lunchboxes, and even quick street food meals. In this article, we’ll explore what kimbap is, its traditional ingredients, health benefits, and how to make it at home — with tips to ensure your kimbap turns out delicious every time. What is Kimbap? Kimbap (김밥) is a Korean dish made by rolling cooked rice and various ingredients in a sheet of dried seaweed (gim, 김), then slicing the roll into bite-sized pieces. The name itself comes from “gim” (seaweed) and “bap” (rice) . While it may resemble Japanese sushi rolls (maki), the taste and concept of kimbap are uniquely Korean. Unlike sushi, which often uses vin...
The hit Netflix series Squid Game introduced global audiences to a haunting survival game rooted in childhood nostalgia. Among the many striking images from the show, one that particularly captivated viewers was the scene featuring a thin, brittle sugar candy called Dalgona. Known for its simple ingredients and challenging shapes, this Korean treat—often referred to as Korean sugar candy or ppopgi—has a long history in Korean street food culture. In this article, we’ll guide you through the authentic method of making Dalgona from Squid Game, explore its cultural significance, and provide tips for perfecting your candy at home.
What Is Dalgona Candy?
Dalgona candy, also known as ppopgi (볶기), is a traditional Korean street snack made by melting sugar and adding a pinch of baking soda. The result is a light, crunchy toffee-like disc with a stamped shape in the center—usually a star, circle, umbrella, or triangle. Kids would try to carve out the shape using only a needle or toothpick without breaking the candy, a game now famously revived in Squid Game.
Though it may look simple, Dalgona candy embodies the heart of 1970s and 1980s Korean street food culture. Vendors used to set up stalls outside schools, selling this nostalgic snack for a few coins. Success in carving out the shape often meant winning a second candy for free—a memory cherished by many Korean adults today.
Why Did Squid Game Feature Dalgona?
In Squid Game, the Dalgona candy challenge served as a metaphor for the fragile line between success and failure. Its inclusion was not random—it resonates deeply with Koreans who grew up playing this game. The global spotlight on this episode ignited international curiosity, driving up online searches for how to make Dalgona candy and boosting sales of Dalgona kits.
The aesthetic simplicity and emotional depth of this scene highlight how childhood memories can be both sweet and perilous. It’s also a perfect example of how traditional food can bridge generations and cultures.
How to Make Dalgona Candy at Home
Making Squid Game Dalgona at home is both fun and easy, but it requires precision and attention to detail. Here's a step-by-step guide to recreate this iconic Korean street snack.
Ingredients:
2 tablespoons of white granulated sugar
A pinch of baking soda (about 1/16 teaspoon)
Tools You'll Need:
A stainless steel ladle or small pan
Wooden chopsticks or a metal skewer for stirring
Flat non-stick surface or baking paper
A cookie cutter (for shaping)
Step-by-Step Instructions:
Melt the Sugar: Place 2 tablespoons of sugar into a stainless steel ladle. Hold it over medium-low heat and stir constantly with a wooden chopstick. The sugar will begin to melt and turn golden brown. Avoid burning it.
Add Baking Soda: Once the sugar is fully melted, remove the ladle from heat and quickly add a pinch of baking soda. Stir rapidly. The mixture will foam and expand, turning a lighter caramel color.
Pour and Flatten: Pour the mixture onto baking paper or a non-stick surface. Press it flat gently with a greased metal press or flat-bottomed cup.
Stamp the Shape: Before the candy hardens, press a cookie cutter gently into the center to create a shape. Don’t cut all the way through.
Cool and Enjoy: Let the candy harden for a few minutes. Now you can challenge yourself to carve out the shape—just like in Squid Game.
Tips for Perfect Dalgona Candy
Use stainless steel: Aluminum can overheat quickly and lead to burning.
Stir constantly: Unattended sugar can burn within seconds.
Work fast: After adding baking soda, the mixture hardens quickly. Timing is key.
Don’t overdo the baking soda: Too much can make the candy bitter or too foamy.
The Cultural Significance of Dalgona in Korea
Beyond its recent fame as the Squid Game candy, Dalgona holds a unique place in Korean popular culture. It was a staple outside elementary schools during the late 20th century. For many, it evokes a deep sense of nostalgia for simpler times, before smartphones and video games, when children played outdoors and competed for candy with pride.
Today, Dalgona is more than a snack—it’s a symbol of Korean childhood, community, and resilience. Pop-up Dalgona booths and cafes are now common in Seoul, drawing locals and tourists alike. Its cultural value has transformed it from street fare to a culinary emblem.
A Global Trend with Local Roots
After Squid Game went viral, the Dalgona candy challenge exploded on social media platforms like TikTok and YouTube. Countless users tried the challenge at home, often with hilarious or impressive results. The surge in interest has also led to increased sales of Dalgona-making kits, now widely available online.
However, what many may not realize is that this viral trend is rooted in decades of Korean tradition. Understanding its background adds depth and appreciation for the seemingly simple candy.
Conclusion: Sweet, Fragile, and Full of Meaning
Dalgona from Squid Game is more than just a treat—it’s a powerful blend of memory, challenge, and cultural heritage. As you try your hand at making this iconic candy, remember that you're not just creating a snack, but engaging with a piece of Korean history.
Whether you're a fan of Korean dramas, a foodie curious about Korean street snacks, or someone interested in traditional Asian recipes, learning how to make Dalgona candy is a fun and rewarding experience. Just be careful not to break the shape!
Practical Tip: To make your first attempt easier, try using a simple shape like a circle or triangle. Also, have all your tools prepared in advance, as timing is crucial once the sugar begins to foam.
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