Chicken dishes have been familiar to our people since ancient times.
Among them, Dakbokkeumtang, a spicy-sweet seasoning mixed with chicken and vegetables, is a representative menu loved by people of all ages.
However, it is sometimes called 'Dakdoritang'. Which name is more appropriate?
And what is the story hidden in this delicious chicken dish?
Let's unravel the interesting stories about Dakbokkeumtang.
1 Dakbokkeumtang vs. Dakdoritang, the Controversy Behind the Name
Just as the Hwatu term 'godori' originated from the meaning of five birds, the word 'dakdoritang' is a compound word combining 'chicken' and the Japanese word 'dori (とり, bird)'.
There was a movement to purify the name to 'dakbokkeumtang', a pure Korean name, based on the opinion that there is no need to mix foreign words even though there are good expressions in Korean.
Therefore, 'Dakbokkeumtang' is currently the standard term, and many people use this name. However, the name 'Dakdoritang' is still commonly used.
2 A brief fad, Andong Jjimdak
At one time, Andong Jjimdak, which originated in the Andong region of Gyeongsangbuk-do, enjoyed nationwide popularity.
Jjimdak with plenty of noodles can be considered a type of Dakbokkeumtang, but unfortunately, its heyday did not last long.
It can be said to be an example of a food trend that was loved for only a short period of about two years and quickly disappeared.
3 Various meanings of chicken
Chicken has been closely related to our lives since ancient times.
The Chinese character 'Yu (酉)' means chicken, and seeing that it is also included in letters such as 'Yi (醫)', the medical word, and 'Jang (醬)', the sauce, we can guess that chicken has had various symbolic meanings in our culture.
The proverb, “Don’t use a knife to kill a chicken” can be interpreted to mean that you should use your abilities and knowledge appropriately and not covet an excessive position or title.
Also, the strong cry, “Even if you twist the neck, dawn will come” is sometimes used metaphorically to express a firm will no matter how difficult the situation is.
The crowing of a rooster, which announces the dawn, also symbolizes that you should say what you need at the right time.
4 Chicken dishes loved by people around the world
Chicken dishes are loved by many people not only in Korea but also around the world.
During the Wei Dynasty of ancient China, there was even an idiom called “Gyeol-reuk (鷄肋)”, which means useless but too good to throw away, and it is said that the general Cao Cao enjoyed boiled chicken at the time.
In Korea, as dog meat, which was enjoyed on Boknal, gradually became declining, samgyetang became firmly established as a summer tonic as an alternative.
Samgyetang is a dish made by boiling ginseng, astragalus root, etc. in the stomach of a young chicken that is about 15-16 years old. Recently, half-chicken soup made with only half a chicken has become popular for those on a diet.
Just as potatoes are included in gamjatang, which is a spicy stew made with pork spines, potatoes are also included in dakbokkeumtang.
The sight of people sitting around a table and enjoying dakbokkeumtang reminds us of the cozy scenery of an agricultural society where community culture developed, and it makes us feel the warm affection of people eating together, just like the word 'family'.
The charm of dakbokkeumtang that is different in each region
Dakbokkeumtang shows various variations that reflect the characteristics of each region.
Just as sundaeguk has different tastes and styles in each region, dakbokkeumtang also has differences in seasonings and additional ingredients used in each region, which adds to the fun of eating.
If you travel next time, it will be a good experience to try dakbokkeumtang that contains the characteristics of that region.
Dakbokkeumtang is not just a delicious dish, but a special dish that contains our people's culture and history.
How about enjoying a warm and spicy Dakbokkeumtang with your loved ones tonight and sharing rich stories?
5 Relations Link:
https://semie.cooking/recipe-lab/archive/samgyetang
https://blog.naver.com/4pillar/223824881315