The quiet pine scent inside a Korean harvest treat

Songpyeon are small, filled rice cakes associated with Chuseok, Korea’s autumn harvest holiday. They are traditionally steamed over pine needles, which lend the rice cakes a gentle woodland aroma.

NEW TO CHUSEOK?

Think of a Korean holiday centered on the autumn harvest and family gatherings. Making and sharing songpyeon is one of its familiar food traditions.

WHAT IS INSIDE?

Rice dough surrounds a sweet filling. Shapes, colors and fillings vary by region and maker. The pine needles in the photograph are part of the steaming tradition, rather than the filling.

Sources & context

2026-09-18

uae.korean-culture.org ↗