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
Rapid population growth and economic development are accompanied by the consumption of huge amounts of resources. The resources
November 23, 2025
Rapid population growth and economic development are accompanied by the consumption of huge amounts of resources. The resources
Kim Yong Rok was born and bred in Chollima District, Nampho Municipality. Unfortunately, he was injured in his two arms in an
November 23, 2025
Kim Yong Rok was born and bred in Chollima District, Nampho Municipality. Unfortunately, he was injured in his two arms in an
As the US plans new military exercises in the Caribbean, the Venezuelan President called for consistently heightening vigilance
November 23, 2025
As the US plans new military exercises in the Caribbean, the Venezuelan President called for consistently heightening vigilance
Young people in Kaesong and Rason municipalities volunteered to work on major fronts for implementing the decisions of the Workers
November 22, 2025
Young people in Kaesong and Rason municipalities volunteered to work on major fronts for implementing the decisions of the Workers
A hot wind of volunteering is blowing across the country. Young people in all parts of the country including the capital city of
November 22, 2025
A hot wind of volunteering is blowing across the country. Young people in all parts of the country including the capital city of
According to data available, the number of applicants for immigration into Europe has steadily increased in recent years. The
November 22, 2025
According to data available, the number of applicants for immigration into Europe has steadily increased in recent years. The
The deputy prime minister of Italy asserted on November 14 that the additional support for Ukraine would not help end the war with
November 22, 2025
The deputy prime minister of Italy asserted on November 14 that the additional support for Ukraine would not help end the war with
A performance “Our Marshal and the People of Kangwon Province” was given at the Kangwon Provincial Art Theatre on November 20
November 22, 2025
A performance “Our Marshal and the People of Kangwon Province” was given at the Kangwon Provincial Art Theatre on November 20
An event took place at the Taedongmun Kindergarten in Central District of Pyongyang on November 20 to mark Child Health Day.
November 22, 2025
An event took place at the Taedongmun Kindergarten in Central District of Pyongyang on November 20 to mark Child Health Day.
Working people in the northernmost part of the country are leading a blessed life while enjoying rural civilization. New modern
November 22, 2025
Working people in the northernmost part of the country are leading a blessed life while enjoying rural civilization. New modern
Pyongyang, the capital of the DPRK, is wonderful in the daytime and fascinating at night thanks to illuminations. The
November 21, 2025
Pyongyang, the capital of the DPRK, is wonderful in the daytime and fascinating at night thanks to illuminations. The
A spokesman for the Iranian Foreign Ministry in a statement on November 15 denounced the US military threat to Venezuela. The
November 21, 2025
A spokesman for the Iranian Foreign Ministry in a statement on November 15 denounced the US military threat to Venezuela. The
New houses have been built at the Kochang Farm in Chollima District of Nampho Municipality this year after last year. A ceremony
November 21, 2025
New houses have been built at the Kochang Farm in Chollima District of Nampho Municipality this year after last year. A ceremony
The general training hall and lodging quarters for sportspersons of the Sports Club of the Ministry of Land and Maritime Transport
November 21, 2025
The general training hall and lodging quarters for sportspersons of the Sports Club of the Ministry of Land and Maritime Transport
The FA (Football Association) Cup tournament that started on November 9 came to a close in the DPRK. The tournament which was held
November 21, 2025
The FA (Football Association) Cup tournament that started on November 9 came to a close in the DPRK. The tournament which was held
Comrades,Just at this place over 280 days ago, we planned together the future of the revolution in public health.It seems as if it
November 20, 2025
Comrades,Just at this place over 280 days ago, we planned together the future of the revolution in public health.It seems as if it
At a time when essential projects at a trial stage are being successfully completed as part of the meaningful process of more
November 20, 2025
At a time when essential projects at a trial stage are being successfully completed as part of the meaningful process of more
A spokesman for the Chinese Ministry of Foreign Affairs condemned the US for selling munitions to Taiwan at a press conference on
November 20, 2025
A spokesman for the Chinese Ministry of Foreign Affairs condemned the US for selling munitions to Taiwan at a press conference on
The national martial arts championships ended on November 18. It was held at the Taekwon-Do Palace, the Taekwon-Do Holy Centre and
November 20, 2025
The national martial arts championships ended on November 18. It was held at the Taekwon-Do Palace, the Taekwon-Do Holy Centre and
State academic degrees and titles were awarded to the intellectuals who made positive contributions to the economic development of
November 20, 2025
State academic degrees and titles were awarded to the intellectuals who made positive contributions to the economic development of
More Articles
