By Honorary Reporter Iran Tavera from Mexico

Photos = Iran Tavera

Tofu, or dubu in Korean, is seen on many Korean dramas, often as something offered to someone in jail or part of a soup or stew at a restaurant. Traditionally, its white color signifies purity, innocence, a new beginning for criminals not to reoffend and the hope of a life free from crime. The novelist Park Wan-seo in her essay "Tofu" said this food represents a transformation, signifying the hope that criminals can turn over a new leaf.

Tofu is a fixture in Korean dramas.

During Japanese occupation of Korea, prisoners did not receive a nutritious meal and getting protein was difficult since meat was scarce. So when people visited a relative behind bars, they brought tofu. And as a cheap but nutritious food, it was like salvation for recently released prisoners.

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.