Rice cake (songpyeon)

Songpyeon is a traditional Korean rice cake made from glutinous rice flour, typically enjoyed during the Chuseok festival, which celebrates the autumn harvest. These dumpling-like treats are often filled with sweet fillings such as sesame seeds, red bean paste, or chestnuts and are shaped into half-moons to symbolize the harvest moon. The cakes are steamed over pine needles, which impart a fragrant aroma. Songpyeon is not only a delicious dessert but also carries cultural significance, representing good fortune and prosperity for the family in the coming year. It is often made collaboratively as a family activity.