Gyeongju’s signature delicacy, known as “Gyeongju Bread” or more familiarly “Hwangnam Bread,” will be showcased to the world during the upcoming APEC (Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation) Summit on October 31.
Created in 1938 during the Japanese occupation by artisan Choi Young-hwa (1917–1995) in Hwangnam-dong, Gyeongju, this pastry became known as “Hwangnam Bread” from the locals who came to buy it. Despite being called “bread,” it is more of a confectionery filled mostly with sweet red bean paste. Freshly baked Hwangnam Bread has a crisp crust and soft interior, but as time passes, moisture from the red beans softens the surface while slightly firming the inside.
Designated as a “Specialty Confection of Gyeongju City,” and later as a “Gyeongsangbuk-do Premium Product” by the Ministry of Home Affairs in 1999, Hwangnam Bread has firmly established itself as a regional specialty. For visitors to Gyeongju, purchasing a box of Hwangnam Bread has become a natural part of the travel experience, and it has been introduced by domestic media as one of the representative tastes of Korea.
The legacy of Gyeongju Bread continues through three family and apprentice-run establishments: “Choi Young-hwa Bread” and “Hwangnam Bread,” both managed by the artisan’s descendants, and “Lee Sang-bok Confectionery (Lee Sang-bok Gyeongju Bread),” founded by his apprentice Lee Sang-bok.
Lee Sang-bok entered the craft at the age of 14 and was recognized as a direct apprentice by Master Choi. At 29, he was granted permission to use the Hwangnam Bread name and opened his own business. Carrying on his mentor’s legacy, Lee promoted Hwangnam Bread nationwide at the 1998 Gyeongju Expo and trained new bakers.
The bread’s quality also varies by origin: “Choi Young-hwa Bread” uses local Arari red beans from Gyeongju, while “Lee Sang-bok Confectionery” uses red beans sourced from the pristine regions of Gangwon-do.
President Lee Jae-myung recently drew attention by introducing Gyeongju Bread during an interview with CNN. Speaking ahead of the APEC Summit in Gyeongju on October 25, the President promoted K-Food by highlighting the beloved pastry. “If you come to Gyeongju for APEC, there’s a very good chance you’ll taste this bread,” he said, expressing his hope that visitors would enjoy Korean cuisine and culture during their stay.
Meanwhile, Hwangnam Bread has been selected as the official dessert for the APEC Summit, which will take place in Gyeongju from October 31 to November 1.
Reported by News Culture M.J._mj94070777@nc.press
Copyright ⓒ 뉴스컬처 무단 전재 및 재배포 금지
본 콘텐츠는 뉴스픽 파트너스에서 공유된 콘텐츠입니다.
