Dwaeji gukbap (Korean돼지국밥) is a South Korean soup especially popular in Busan made with pork, soy sauce, miso, rice wine, sesame oil, and bone broth.[1][2][3] The name literally translates to "pork, soup, rice".[4] It is served with various side dishes like rice, salted shrimp, onion, noodle, kimchi, garlic, and green peppers, which all can be added to the soup.[1][3][4] It originated during the Korean War in the 1950s as poverty food.[1][4] It eventually grew in popularity.[1][4] The dish spread from Busan to the rest of the Gyeongsang province and eventually the rest of the country.[4][5] However, the dish is not well-recognized outside of Korea.[2] Busan has a street named after the dish, where there are dozens of restaurants that serve dwaeji gukbap.[4][5] These days it is often eaten while drinking liquor.[1] It is also thought to be beneficial for women recovering from childbirth.[1] The soup is enjoyed all year round (but particularly in winter) and at any time of the day.[4][6] Many establishments that serve the dish are open from morning to night, with some even open 24 hours.[4]

Dwaeji gukbap
Dwaeji gukbap (pork and rice soup)
Place of originKorea
Region or stateBusan
Serving temperatureHot
Korean name
Hangul
돼지국밥
Revised RomanizationDwaeji gukbap
McCune–ReischauerTwaechi kukpap

History edit

Historically, the people of Busan made clear soup from meat, and they would commonly add rice to the broth.[4] However, dwaeji gukbap itself, originated during the 1950s when North Korean refugees fled south during the Korean War.[1][4][5] The refugees were unable to afford meat, so they used pork bones discarded by the U.S. military.[4] They may have also used beef.[1] Initially, the dish was simply broth, rice, and meat slices in a single bowl.[3] Over time, the dish was influenced by other regions, as people who arrived from other parts of the country settled in Busan.[3] The salted shrimp that often accompanies the dish originated from the north, whereas the chive salad and spicy seasoning originated in Busan.[7]

Preparation edit

The preparation of the soup is labor intensive, requiring lots of time to make.[2][4] First, pork bones are boiled in water for hours, resulting in a milky white broth.[2][4] However, three versions of broth exist overall: cloudy, translucent, and clear.[3] Cloudy broth is made from boiling pork bones, translucent broth is made from boiling the pig’s head and intestines, and clear broth is made from boiling only the meat.[3] Different cuts of meat are then added to the pot before serving.[2][4] It is served various with sauces, garnishes, and side dishes.[4] Variations exist in the exact preparation.[3][4] It can be served with rice either already in the soup or on the side, and it can also be served with noodles.[4][5] Other accompaniments like green onions, fermented shrimp, red pepper paste, white onions, garlic, and different types of kimchi, can also be added.[1][4]

Health benefits edit

It is thought that the soup is beneficial for women in the postpartum period.[1][4] Also, it is consumed during times of illness and hangovers.[4] The dish may help health conditions due to its high nutrient content in things like calcium and protein.[4]

References edit

  1. ^ a b c d e f g h i j "Dwaeji gukbap - Traditional Meat Soup From Busan". TasteAtlas. 2016-10-11. Retrieved 2022-12-18.
  2. ^ a b c d e Ladner, Mimsie (2017-03-09). "Places to Eat The Best Dwaeji Gukbap in Busan". Culture Trip. Retrieved 2022-12-29.
  3. ^ a b c d e f g Foundation, T.K. (2020). Koreana_2019_Winter_English. Koreana (in Italian). 한국국제교류재단. p. 84. ISBN 979-11-5604-339-3. Retrieved 2022-12-29.
  4. ^ a b c d e f g h i j k l m n o p q r s t u Knelly, Clarice (2022-11-25). "Busan's Flavorful Pork Soup Dwaeji Gukbap". Tasting Table. Retrieved 2022-12-29.
  5. ^ a b c d "Food : Dynamic Busan". 부산광역시. Retrieved 2022-12-29.
  6. ^ Kang, Yoona (2018-12-18). "Eat Like a Local: Dwaeji Gukbap Heals the Winter Blues". Haps Magazine. Retrieved 2022-12-29.
  7. ^ joo, M.E.; Hyuk, K.K.; Dolgoji, S. (2019). Yum Yum Korean Food Story 1. Yum Yum Korean Food Story. STUDIO DOLGOJI. p. 113. ISBN 979-11-968171-8-3. Retrieved 2022-12-29.