Korean-style serving of Hangwa

한과 · Hangwa

Hangwa

한과

What exactly is it?

Hangwa is an umbrella term for traditional Korean sweets. Syrup-soaked yakgwa, airy yugwa and molded powder-based dasik differ greatly in ingredients and texture. An assortment is not simply several shapes of the same rice puff.

Main ingredients

Depending on type: rice or wheat flour, honey or grain syrup, seeds, beans, nuts or fruit

Ordering and serving

For a gift, check the ingredients of each variety, especially nuts, wheat and sesame. One assortment can contain several different recipes.

Origins and changes

Yugwa and gangjeong sit within the broader hangwa family. Sweets once arranged for ceremonies and banquets are also sold as tea accompaniments and holiday gift assortments.

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Hangwa

한과

Main ingredients
Depending on type: rice or wheat flour, honey or grain syrup, seeds, beans, nuts or fruit
Flavor and character
Hangwa is an umbrella term for traditional Korean sweets. Syrup-soaked yakgwa, airy yugwa and molded powder-based dasik differ greatly in ingredients and texture. An assortment is not simply several shapes of the same rice puff.
How to eat it
For a gift, check the ingredients of each variety, especially nuts, wheat and sesame. One assortment can contain several different recipes.
Read about this dish →

Yakgwa

약과

Main ingredients
Flour, sesame or other oil, honey or grain syrup; optional ginger and cinnamon
Flavor and character
Flour dough is cooked in oil and soaked in sweet syrup. The surface may look firm, but the inside is dense and moist. Flower-shaped and cut-square styles differ in form, with syrup-soaked texture central to the experience.
How to eat it
Even a small piece is rich and sweet. Share it in small bites with tea, and follow the product’s storage advice.
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