Among the well-known Kaesong specialties are yakpap (sweet rice dish), chuothang (loach soup), sollongthang (beef and rice soup) and phyonsu (a kind of dumpling).
Yakpap has been a holiday food on Jongwoldaeborum, or the 15th day of the first month by the lunar calendar, and a traditional dish which was a must in any big parties since olden times.
According to historical records, honey was often regarded as yak (medicine in English) and the boiled rice mixed with honey was called yakpap.
It is prepared by evenly mixing steamed glutinous rice with sesame oil, honey and sugar and adding date, chestnut and soy sauce, before steaming it again. It is told that the Koreans have taken the dish from the period of the Three Kingdoms. At that time, neighbouring countries called it Koryoban, praising it as a rare food.
Chuothang, sometimes called chuthang, is a tasty and very nutritious food.
In the Kaesong area, it was made by boiling loach with bean curd and red pepper.
It was widely used to help people recover from illnesses or weakness and to promote the growth of children.
Sollongthang, whose name was derived from a Korean onomatopoeic word suggesting the sound of liquid simmering gently for a long time, is said to have been made in the Kaesong area first.
In the olden days poor people in the area purchased the cattle’s hooves and pluck thrown away by the rich at a cheap price and boiled them hard. It was tasty and nutritious and good for making weak people recover health. Since then, it was widely known throughout the country and became a popular dish loved by all, rich and poor.
Phyonsu means thinly rolled dumplings cooked in water.
It is made by rolling dough thinly in the shape of a square, putting pepper-flavoured stuffing made of pork, pumpkin, bean curd and egg mixed with different seasonings, joining its four corners to form a dumpling and cooking it in boiled water. It is served in clear and cold meat soup.
More From Pyongyang Times
Dmitri Medvedev, vice-chairman of the Security Council of Russia, warned European countries and NATO member nations against their
January 16, 2026
Dmitri Medvedev, vice-chairman of the Security Council of Russia, warned European countries and NATO member nations against their
New socialist ideal farm villages have been built successively in Kangwon Province, giving pleasure to the people. Dwelling houses
January 16, 2026
New socialist ideal farm villages have been built successively in Kangwon Province, giving pleasure to the people. Dwelling houses
The speaker of the Iranian parliament decried and rejected the US’ military threat in his speech to the parliament on January 11.H
January 16, 2026
The speaker of the Iranian parliament decried and rejected the US’ military threat in his speech to the parliament on January 11.H
Young people across the DPRK were gripped by great emotion on the occasion of the New Year 2026. They were impressed by the fact
January 16, 2026
Young people across the DPRK were gripped by great emotion on the occasion of the New Year 2026. They were impressed by the fact
The young Korean people embroidered heroic epic stories of miracles and innovations in the annals of the country’s prosperity.
January 16, 2026
The young Korean people embroidered heroic epic stories of miracles and innovations in the annals of the country’s prosperity.
The French president criticized the US’ foreign policy on January 8. As regards the fact that the US decided to break from 66
January 15, 2026
The French president criticized the US’ foreign policy on January 8. As regards the fact that the US decided to break from 66
The Tokyo Shimbun on January 9 carried an article titled “US threat and blackmail out of common sense” denouncing the reckless mov
January 15, 2026
The Tokyo Shimbun on January 9 carried an article titled “US threat and blackmail out of common sense” denouncing the reckless mov
New houses have appeared at the Sugye Farm in Unsan County and the Mungok Stockbreeding Farm in Nyongwon County, South Phyongan
January 15, 2026
New houses have appeared at the Sugye Farm in Unsan County and the Mungok Stockbreeding Farm in Nyongwon County, South Phyongan
The art troupe of Korean schoolchildren in Japan led by Ri Chol Su, principal of Toshun Korean Primary School, left Pyongyang on
January 15, 2026
The art troupe of Korean schoolchildren in Japan led by Ri Chol Su, principal of Toshun Korean Primary School, left Pyongyang on
The respected Comrade Kim Jong Un sent birthday spreads to Kim Sang Chun living in Neighbourhood Unit No. 16, Aedo-dong, Jongju
January 15, 2026
The respected Comrade Kim Jong Un sent birthday spreads to Kim Sang Chun living in Neighbourhood Unit No. 16, Aedo-dong, Jongju
Science and technology are being diffused widely in the DPRK with the Sci-Tech Complex as the hub. Modern regional-industry
January 15, 2026
Science and technology are being diffused widely in the DPRK with the Sci-Tech Complex as the hub. Modern regional-industry
The respected Marshal Kim Jong Un received on January 13 a letter from the members of the 35th Art Troupe of Korean Schoolchildren
January 15, 2026
The respected Marshal Kim Jong Un received on January 13 a letter from the members of the 35th Art Troupe of Korean Schoolchildren
Haemoglobin cosmetic is now popular among many women. Developed by the Pyongyang Cosmetics Factory, this product is applicable to
January 15, 2026
Haemoglobin cosmetic is now popular among many women. Developed by the Pyongyang Cosmetics Factory, this product is applicable to
The Wonsan General Fishing Implements Factory was inaugurated in Kangwon Province. The respected Comrade Kim Jong Un gave
January 14, 2026
The Wonsan General Fishing Implements Factory was inaugurated in Kangwon Province. The respected Comrade Kim Jong Un gave
The Cameroonian President warned that the crises and conflicts that are worsening all across the world constitute great threats to
January 14, 2026
The Cameroonian President warned that the crises and conflicts that are worsening all across the world constitute great threats to
The Vietnamese prime minister mentioned the country’s economic development at a government meeting on January 8. He said that
January 14, 2026
The Vietnamese prime minister mentioned the country’s economic development at a government meeting on January 8. He said that
Modern houses have been built at the Hwangju Township Farm of the North Hwanghae Provincial Rural Economy Committee and the
January 14, 2026
Modern houses have been built at the Hwangju Township Farm of the North Hwanghae Provincial Rural Economy Committee and the
There took place a seminar for deeply grasping the immortal leadership exploits of President Kim Il Sung, Chairman Kim Jong Il and
January 14, 2026
There took place a seminar for deeply grasping the immortal leadership exploits of President Kim Il Sung, Chairman Kim Jong Il and
A photo exhibition "Bringing up a large contingent of successors to the revolution and patriotic youth with great politics of
January 14, 2026
A photo exhibition "Bringing up a large contingent of successors to the revolution and patriotic youth with great politics of
The Korean people conducted mass sports activities across the country on the first sports day of this year. Sports games were held
January 13, 2026
The Korean people conducted mass sports activities across the country on the first sports day of this year. Sports games were held
More Articles
