Handmade Chuseok Gifts

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Chuseok, one of the big national holidays in Korea, is just around the corner. Koreans present their loves ones with special presents on Chuseok. These days, hand-made gifts prepared with extra care are especially popular. Let’s get a closer look.

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Supermarket chains are selling all kinds of Chuseok products ahead of the big holiday. You can choose from a wide array of Chuseok gifts for various prices. Chuseok gifts preferred by Koreans have changed with time. Back in the 1950s and 60s eggs and wheat flour were the top choices. In the 70s it was soap and toothpaste. In the 80s - wallets and ties. And in the 90s many people preferred gift vouchers. With the onset of the 21st century, when interest in health products soared, health supplement products stole the spotlight. This year, gifts costing less than 50,000 won, or around 45 dollars are in high demand because a new anti-corruption law is to take effect soon. But some people say they want to prepare something special for their loved ones instead of buying ready-to-use gifts. We visited a place that makes healthy food.

[Soundbite] "We're going to make balloon flower root preserve."

First, the balloon flower roots are peeled and blanched in boiling water. Then they are mixed with starch syrup and sugar, and boiled down for three hours daily over three days. When dried in natural conditions for seven days, this balloon flower root preserve becomes a health food that helps boost the immune system. It takes extraordinary effort to prepare.

[Soundbite] "I thought the balloon flower roots would taste bitter, but they're very sweet and delicious. I think seniors will love it."

You can make a preserve shaped like flowers. Slice the radish and potatoes and cut them out using flower-shaped molds. Coat them with starch syrup and natural powder and leave them to harden slightly at room temperature. Now the pretty flower-shaped preserve made with dried ingredients is ready. This time, we're going to make handmade beef jerky. Use the part called eye of round, because it contains the least fat. Mix sugar with some refined rice wine and rinse the beef in the mixture. Then leave it in the refrigerator for six hours to ferment Next, make a stock with pears and green onion roots, and prepare a sauce using soy sauce and sugar. Season the fermented beef with the sauce until it permeates the meat completely. Leave the beef to dry in a well-ventilated space at room temperature for one day. Now your handmade beef jerky is ready to eat.

[Soundbite] "I made with it extra care for the holiday. I hope you will enjoy it."

Chuseok gifts made from the bottom of your heart will make anyone happy.