Enjoying Dasik, traditional Korean sweets

It's Valentine's Day today, and for those of you here in South Korea seeking perhaps a sweet traditional twist for this day, our Ahn Sung-jin was out and about.

Do take a look.

“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.

Ahn Sung-jin, Arirang News.