By Honorary Reporter Tri Iva Fitriani from Indonesia

Illustration = Tri Iva Fitriani

Seollal is an occasion to eat these five traditional desserts. (Tri Iva Fitriani)

Seollal (Lunar New Year) is one of Korea's two biggest holidays and an occasion to reconnect with family and relatives, especially through food. In addition to the many dishes prepared during the holiday, the following five traditional desserts are sure to whet the taste buds.

Yaksik (sweet rice with dried fruit and nuts)
Also called yakbap, this sweet but healthy rice cake is made with glutinous rice, honey, dried fruit and nuts.

Dasik (tea cookies)
This dessert is usually made from rice or soybean flour and comes in various natural colors, flavors and shapes like letters or flowers.

Yakgwa (fried honey cookie)
This sweet cookie is coated with honey and usually shaped into simple flower designs; it is also used in ancestral rituals.

Sujeonggwa (cinnamon ginger punch)
This drink is made with cinnamon, simmering ginger, dried persimmon, sugar and water and often garnished with pike nuts.

Sikhye (rice punch)
This dessert drink is made with fermented malt and rice and comes in a variety of flavors such as yeongyeop (alcoholic type), Andong and pumpkin.

enny0611@korea.kr

*This article is written by a Korea.net Honorary Reporter. Our group of Honorary Reporters are from all around the world, and they share with Korea.net their love and passion for all things Korean.