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| History of Galgol Hangwa |
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Three-Dynasty Period and Goryeo Dynasty
It is presumed that Gwajeongryu, made of grains, oil and honey, began to develop during the unified Shilla Dynasty, when the nation was under the influence of Buddhism and thus people enjoyed drinking tea and abstained from eating meat. At the later part of this period, a table of fruits and tea was served, or tea was served in a ceremonial style when people had a meeting. Probably, Gwajeongryu developed rapidly in line with such customs, but literature records its beginning from the Goryeo Dynasty.
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Chosun Dynasty
In the Chosun Dynasty, Hangwa was served as a representative food on the King's table and tables prepared for initiation ceremonies of individuals. It was commonly enjoyed among the royal family and the noble class. In his 8th year of rule during the Goryeo Dynasty, King Chungryeol ordered not to be presented Yumilgwa (also called Yugwa) when he visited Chungchong-do. This story reveals that villages or Buddhist temples presented Yumilgwa to the king when he visited villages or temples. As the demand for Yumilgwa grew, grains, oil and honey were consumed too much so their prices rose, putting ordinary people into financial difficulty. King Gongmin, in his second year of rule (1353) during the Goryeo Dynasty, ordered Yumilgwa not to be used.
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Present
As Kangwon-do began to proceed with the '1 brand product, 1 Gun' project in 1989, Nodong-ri, Sacheon-myon was transformed into a 'Galgol Gwajul' village. The whole process of making Gwajul looks indeed like the manufacturing of handicrafts. The traditional Korean cookies are made only after long hours and devotion. It is absurd to compare its manufacturing to the mass production of common cookies. Galgol Hangwa is popular for ancestor-worship ceremonies, congratulatory parties, snacks and gifts. The prestige of Galgol Hangwa has been maintained by the spiritual devotion of its makers.
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