The Ancient Tale Hidden in a Bowl of Red Bean Porridge
When the cold wind brushes against your nose and the nights feel unusually long, there is a warm, comforting dish that naturally comes to mind. It is 'Patjuk' (Korean red bean porridge), steaming with a deep, rich crimson hue straight from the cauldron. Beyond just a delicious winter delicacy, this humble bowl holds the fascinating folklore and warm wishes of our ancestors. Let me share the old stories of Patjuk, the ones passed down from generation to generation, much like the tales heard by a grandmother's side. 1. Patjuk, the Plague Ghost, and Gonggong's Son In Korea, there is a long-standing tradition of cooking Patjuk and splashing it on the front gate or the jars of condiments (jangdokdae) during Dongji (the Winter Solstice) or when a major event takes place in the household. Hidden within this custom is a very old legend. "Long ago in ancient China, there lived a man named Gonggong. He had a troublemaking son who, unfortunately, passed away on the Winter S...
