As an ethnobotanist who has extensively studied the interweaving of culture, nostalgia, and confectionery traditions across Asia, I was fascinated to see the recent global fervor over Korean dalgona candy sparked by Netflix’s record-shattering series Squid Game. While dalgona may appear as just a sugar treat, its origins and prominence in Squid Game reveal volumes about the candy’s profound cultural significance and Koreans’ enduring attachment to this childhood memory-evoking confection.
In this article, I leverage my expertise on anthropology of food and meaning-making to trace dalgona’s humble street food beginnings, its evolution into a nostalgic emblem of Korean childhood, and guide to make Korean Dalgona Candy Netflix Squid Game at home.
What is Korean Dalgona Candy Netflix Squid Game?
Dalgona candy, a simple treat made from sugar and baking soda, captivated audiences worldwide as it took center stage in Netflix’s record-breaking series Squid Game. The Korean Dalgona Candy Netflix Squid Game challenge became an iconic scene that symbolized the characters’ struggles and the show’s broader commentary on class warfare in Korea. While dalgona candy was originally a classic Korean children’s snack, it has now become a global phenomenon thanks to its prominence in Squid Game.
Understanding Dalgona Candy and “Squid Game”
In Squid Game, dalgona candy is used as a deadly children’s game to determine the contestants’ fates. During the fourth round of the contest, players must carefully carve out a specific shape from a brittle dalgona candy slab without cracking it. If the shape breaks, they are eliminated.
The game takes on greater meaning as the cash prize grows and the stakes heighten. The skill of carving the delicate candy represents the contestants’ ability to withstand the rising pressure, holding steady under the risk of death. For Seong Gi-hun, the cash prize symbolizes the chance to reunite with his daughter.
The dalgona challenge scene instantly became iconic as audiences watched the contestants anxiously carve at their candy while hoping it does not break. The game exemplifies how the show cleverly corrupted innocent childhood activities into deadly tests with ethically complex moral implications.
For audiences worldwide with no experience with dalgona, the scene also offered a view into a classic Korean cultural confectionery and game. After Squid Game’s immense popularity, interest in real dalgona candy surged globally as audiences wanted to try the treat featured prominently on the show.
The devious twist on a beloved childhood candy encapsulated how Squid Game deftly married Korean nostalgic elements with an inventive thriller plot. Through dalgona, the show connected Korean culture to a worldwide audience.
The History of Korean Dalgona Candy
Dalgona candy has distinctly Korean origins and is a traditional sweet that is deeply woven into childhood memories. The name “dalgona” is a combination of the Korean words for sugar (dal) and caramelized (gona). While the exact origins are unknown, dalgona candy first emerged in the 1960s-1970s in Korea as a popular street food.
Vendors would use little more than baking soda and sugar to whip up the sweet, caramel-like candy right on the street. They would then sell the dalgona treats to eager children, who would get the candy on a stick or wrapped in paper. Due to its simplicity, dalgona candy soon became a favorite homemade treat as well.
Part of the appeal of dalgona was the fun dalgona-themed games that were played using the candy. Children would challenge one another to shape or break the thin, delicate dalgona into certain designs without having it crack and break. For example, one game involved carving your name or initials into the molded candy. These dalgona games fostered friendly competition and creativity among Korean youth.
Through street vendors, homemade recipes, and traditional schoolyard games, dalgona became deeply ingrained in Korean culture over generations. The light, sweet candy encapsulated the whimsy and community spirit of childhood for many Koreans.
Dalgona Candy: Beyond the Screen
While Squid Game propelled dalgona onto the world stage, the classic candy has evolved over the decades in its native Korea. Contemporary renditions can be found at street food stalls, cafes, and souvenir shops.
In Seoul, some vendors have put gourmet spins on dalgona like adding matcha powder or sprinkling toppings. Other variations include dalgona coffee, bubble tea, or ice cream. Visitors flock to places like Dongdaemun Market for freshly made dalgona from street carts using vintage tools.
However, purists still seek out old-fashioned dalgona made with basic ingredients for nostalgia. Part of dalgona’s appeal is its consistency across generations as a simple sugar treat. For many Koreans, plain classic dalgona evokes childhood and tradition.
The handmade candy has become a staple Korean souvenir. Packaged dalgona with customized molds in cute shapes are sold at gift shops and airport stores. Tourists can watch street vendors make dalgona firsthand to bring home the memory. For visitors, the candy encapsulates the traditional spirit of Korea.
Making Your Own Korean Dalgona Candy Netflix Squid Game
Part of Korean Dalgona Candy Netflix Squid Game appeal is how simple it is to make this sweet treat. To enjoy dalgona at home, you just need a few basic ingredients:
Ingredients:
- 1 cup white sugar
- 1 tablespoon baking soda
- 3 tablespoons water
Tools:
- A bowl for mixing
- A spoon for mixing and shaping
- A surface for flattening and shaping (parchment paper works well)
Steps:
- Add the sugar and baking soda to a bowl. Mix well with a spoon.
- Add a small amount of water (1 teaspoon) and stir thoroughly until a smooth paste forms that is easy to shape. Slowly add the remaining water as needed.
- Using the spoon, flatten the mixture and spread it thin against parchment paper into your desired shape. Common shapes are circles, hearts, stars or triangles.
- Let sit uncovered at room temperature until hardened. Carefully peel off the parchment paper.
- Enjoy the sweet treat plain or decorate with icing, seeds, honey, or chocolate.
Get creative with the shapes you make or invent your own Korean Dalgona Candy Netflix Squid Game. Part of the fun is customizing the candy into your own designs.
Conclusion: Korean Dalgona Candy Netflix Squid Game
On the surface, dalgona candy seems like a basic sweet with humble origins. However, it carries substantial cultural meaning and history for Koreans as both a childhood treat and emblem of tradition.
By featuring Korean Dalgona Candy Netflix Squid Game, the show both commented on its societal significance and shared it with an international audience. Now the iconic candy has emerged as a symbol connecting Korean culture to the worldwide stage.
Dalgona has gone from a street stall snack to a global phenomenon, expanding from its local roots while remaining an authentic representation of Korea for tourists. Simple in ingredients yet rich in meaning, dalgona candy will continue spreading sweetness, nostalgia, and Korean flavor worldwide.
Homemade Korean Dalgona Candy Netflix Squid Game recipe
Notes
- The candy hardens quickly, so work quickly once the sugar melts and the baking soda is added.
- If the candy becomes too difficult to work with, place the pan back on low heat for a few seconds to soften it slightly.
- Be careful, the candy will be hot!
- You can challenge yourself or others to cut out the shapes from the cooled candy without breaking them, just like in Squid Game!
Ingredients
- • 2 tablespoons granulated sugar
- • 1 pinch baking soda (less than ¼ teaspoon)
- - Optional Equipment:
- • Cookie cutters (various shapes)
- • Metal ladle or small saucepan
- • Wooden chopstick or spoon
- • Parchment paper
- • Small baking sheet or tray
- • Cooking spray (if using cookie cutters)
Instructions
- Heat the sugar in a small pan over low heat, stirring constantly. The sugar will dissolve and turn a light amber color. Be careful not to burn the sugar.
- Once the sugar has melted, remove the pan from the heat and quickly add the baking soda. The mixture will foam rapidly. Stir vigorously to combine.
- Working quickly, pour the hot candy onto a sheet of parchment paper. You can spread it out into a thin layer with a spatula or spoon.
- If using cookie cutters: Lightly coat your chosen cookie cutters with cooking spray. Immediately press the cutters into the hot candy to create your desired shapes.
- If not using cookie cutters: Use a metal spoon or chopstick to spread the candy into a thin circle.
- Let the candy cool completely for at least 5 minutes, or until hardened.
- Once cool, gently peel the candy off the parchment paper.
Nutrition Facts
Homemade Korean Dalgona Candy Netflix Squid Game recipe
Serves:
| Amount Per Serving: | ||
|---|---|---|
| Calories | 110 kcal | |
| % Daily Value* | ||
| Total Fat 0 g | 0 | |
| Saturated Fat 0 g | 0 | |
| Trans Fat | ||
| Cholesterol 0g | 0 | |
| Sodium 10 mg | 0.4% | |
| Total Carbohydrate 28 g | 9.3% | |
| Dietary Fiber 0 g | 0 | |
| Sugars 28 g | ||
| Protein 0 g | ||
| Vitamin A | Vitamin C | |
| Calcium | Iron | |
* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet. Your daily values may be higher or lower depending on your calorie needs.
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