On September 13th, I had the privilege of attending the ‘Songpyeon Making Workshop’ at the Korean Cultural Centre India (KCCI), held in celebration of Chuseok, one of Korea’s most important festivals. As someone who's always been fascinated by Korean culture, I find this experience truly special. But what made it even more meaningful was that I got to attend as an honorary reporter, which allowed me to see the event from a unique perspective—behind the scenes, interacting with the organizers, teachers, and participants in ways I hadn't expected. It wasn’t just an event; it felt like stepping into a community.
“Even in times of hardship, those who remember the kindness of their ancestors will always be blessed with a bountiful harvest.” This famous quote from the Chuseok story resonated with me throughout the workshop, highlighting the deep connection between tradition, gratitude, and the importance of family in Korean culture. This festival is similar to Hindu ancestral practices during Sharad, where we honor our ancestors by preparing food, performing rituals and prayers, and making offerings to priests to pray for their peace.
The event started with a presentation on the history and significance of Chuseok, helping us understand the traditions behind the celebration. Songpyeon, a traditional Korean rice cake made for Chuseok, reminded me of the Indian sweet Gujiya, a staple during Holi, both in shape and in the sense of unity created while making it during festivals. There's something beautiful about how both cultures use food as a way to bond with loved ones during festivals.
After the presentation, the hands-on part of the workshop began. We were divided into teams, each guided by a Korean instructor. Our task? To make Songpyeon using naturally colored rice dough in orange, white, green, etc. The chef demonstrated the steps with great care, explaining how the dough is made from rice flour. For me, kneading rice dough for the first time was both strange and familiar. It felt similar to kneading dough for roti, a skill I’ve grown up with, yet the texture was quite different. The fillings we used—sweetened sesame seeds, sugar, and savory chestnut paste—gave me a deeper appreciation for the flavors of Korean cuisine, something I’m still learning about.
As we molded the rice cakes, I couldn’t help but notice how much joy filled the room. It felt less like a formal event and more like a festive gathering, as we shared laughs, tips, and stories. Each of us, from the students to the Korean teachers, felt like a family for those few hours. We kneaded, shaped, and filled the Songpyeon together, learning not just about the dessert, but about each other and while we weren't experts, we all contributed to the making of something deeply cultural.
While the Songpyeon steamed, we took a break to play Ttakjichigi, a traditional Korean game often played during Chuseok. As soon as I saw the game, I was reminded of its appearance in Squid Game, but experiencing it in person was a completely different thrill. Initially, it was tricky to understand how to flip the opponent’s folded paper disk, but once we got the hang of it, the game turned into pure excitement. The best part? Watching participants cheer on their friends, the suspense building up as the last two players faced off, and the roar of joy when a player finally flipped the card. Even though I didn’t win, the camaraderie and fun made it worth every moment.
The event concluded with a small ceremony where the winners of the Ttakjichigi competition received gifts. Afterward, we gathered for a group photo, capturing the energy and excitement of the day. Finally, it was time to taste the Songpyeon we had made. It’s funny how I felt a sense of nervousness before trying them, almost like a cooking show contestant waiting for a judge’s reaction! But to my surprise, they tasted great, They were soft and flavorful, There’s something about eating food that you’ve helped make—it adds an extra layer of satisfaction and pride.
Attending the Songpyeon Making Workshop for the first time was not only a cultural learning experience but also a celebration of tradition and community. The event, hosted by the Korean Cultural Centre India, beautifully showcased the warmth and spirit of Chuseok, reminding us of the importance of togetherness and gratitude. It was an unforgettable experience, and I look forward to participating in more such cultural exchanges in the future.
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