[Features reporter] Enjoying dasik, traditional Korean sweets

Sung-jin, I can already sense a sort of sweetness in the air for today’s topic because I heard you got the chance to taste something great!

Absolutely, but first of all, happy Valentine’s Day!

I’m sure you’re all familiar with what day it is.

Have you guys gotten anything for today?

Well today I want to introduce you guys to a gift that's an alternative to chocolate.

“On Valentine’s Day, February 14th, it’s common to see stores with large displays of chocolate and candy. But for those that are looking for something different, Korean traditional sweets can be the answer.”

Boxes of colorful, visually appealing sweets these are known as dasik.

A popular snack during the Joseon dynasty, dasik was also one of King Jeongjo's favorites.

The cookie is made by kneading grain powder with honey.

Most of the ingredients consist of all-natural ingredients.

For example, grain powder can be made with grains, beans, sesame seeds and Barbary fig.

These powders are beaten into finer particles and mixed with honey to create a dense dough texture.

Once the consistency is there, they’re put into shaping tools to create delicate patterns of flowers, the Taegeuk emblem from the national flag or other traditional images.

These days, shapes can be formed through a simple version of stamps.

Nowadays these Korean traditional sweets can be overshadowed by modern desserts.

That’s why Lee Yoon-sook works on keeping these alive.

“I teach these classes with the hope that not only can people these days easily access our traditions, but also to blend aspects of Korean tradition and modernity in harmony.”

So for those who aren’t familiar with these traditional sweets yet, why not give them a try.

I would love to give it a try. My mouth was watering while watching your report.

And that is why I have brought a box for you guys to have a taste.

As you saw from the report, they’re very colorful and very nicely made.

Now, as I mentioned, it's common to give chocolate to each other on Valentine's Day but why not something tasty and Korean?

Could you introduce some other examples of traditional Korean sweets?

Absolutely, more than excited to.

Something similar to Dasik is Yakgwa which is also a traditional type of Korean cookie made from flour, honey, sesame oil and ginger.

These small treats are deep-fried and then soaked in syrup to make a sticky but chewy dessert.

Now this one used to be eaten during ancestral rites or celebrations, but nowadays it’s common to see it being served as a dessert.

Gaeseong juak which is my current go-to snack is a traditional Korean rice donut that is deep fried and coated in syrup.

They’re very chewy and sweet.

Since you also went to a studio to make these, I’m sure these are a great ways to become familiar with Korean traditions as well.

Right Soa!

Not only is the dessert itself a good way to expose yourself to the tradition, but studios like the one I went to provide opportunities for both foreigners and locals to try making them.

Thanks for introducing another traditional and tasty Korean sweet for us to enjoy today!

Had so much fun myself! See you guys soon.