Before Cotton: Clothes Were a Winter Problem Before cotton became common, ordinary Koreans mainly depended on hemp cloth . Silk was available, but it was expensive and mostly used by the upper class. Hemp was strong, but it was rough and did not keep people very warm. That was a serious problem during Korea's cold winters. This meant that many poor people suffered severely in winter, and in extreme cases some even died from the cold. After cotton was introduced, this situation changed dramatically. There is also an interesting story about how cotton first arrived in Korea. 1363–1364: The Seeds Came from Yuan China In 1363 , near the end of the Goryeo Dynasty, a Korean diplomatic mission went to the Yuan Dynasty , the Mongol-ruled dynasty in China. One official on that mission, Mun Ik-jeom , returned to Korea in 1364 with about ten cotton seeds. According to a well-known story, he hid the seeds inside a writing brush case (this is the famous anecdote), but it is important to note t...
Let’s talk about one of Korea’s most famous and beloved foods—Samgyeopsal (삼겹살)! If you’ve been to a Korean BBQ restaurant, you’ve probably had it. But do you know the history behind it? Let’s dive into it while making your mouth water 🔥 What is Samgyeopsal? The name 삼겹살 (Samgyeopsal) literally means “three-layered pork belly” in Korean. It refers to the thick, juicy slices of pork belly that are grilled to perfection at the table. The meat has three visible layers—lean meat, fat, and another layer of lean meat—which gives it its signature texture and flavor. Unlike Western-style bacon, which is thinly sliced and often cured, samgyeopsal is fresh, thick-cut, and grilled without seasoning. The idea is to enjoy the natural taste of the pork first and then dip it in various sauces for extra flavor. 📜 History: How Did Samgyeopsal Become Korea’s Favorite BBQ? Surprisingly, samgyeopsal was not always a popular dish in Korea. Post-Korean War (1950s-60s) – Back then, bee...