By Honorary Reporter Alexandra Kyriazi from Greece

Walking on Korean streets in late fall and winter is probably done amid cold temperatures, but the country has many hot and tasty street foods to keep people warm.

A leading street snack in winter in Korea is gunbam (roasted chestnuts), a favorite of both Koreans and foreign tourists. The heat from the fire used to roast the chestnuts is great for warming up on a cold winter day just like drinking a cup of hot coffee or chocolate at home while snow falls outside.

Among the best chestnuts in Korea are found in Gongju, Chungcheongnam-do Province. The annual Winter Gongju Roasted Chestnut Festival offers not only gunbam but also desserts made from such chestnuts and events like traditional folk games and performing arts.

Chestnuts are a bigger part of Korean culture than thought. Several time-honored songs mention them like the folk songs "Jeongseokga" from the Goryeo Dynasty (918-1392) and "Gunbam Taryeong," which literally means "Roasted Chestnut Ballad." The latter tune was composed in the early 20th century and still taught at Korean public schools.

In Greece, roasted chestnuts are also commonly sold during winter. Buying them on the street in Korea reminds me of a cold winter day in my country. The snack's popularity in Greece goes back to ancient times, when they were served to higher social classes along with honey as a nutritious snack.

So both the Korean and Greek versions of roasted chestnuts offer a warm, healthy and nutritious snack while walking on a cold winter day.

kalhong617@korea.kr

*This article is written by a Korea.net Honorary Reporter. Our group of Honorary Reporters are from all around the world, and they share with Korea.net their love and passion for all things Korean.