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Today, I want to talk about one of the greatest comfort foods for Koreans, which comes back into the spotlight as the temperatures start to drop. And you might think we are talking about some unique, elaborate, and high-end culinary creation when, in reality, we are talking about… sweet potatoes.
So, why do Koreans love them so much?
We are going to investigate this mystery by looking at different ways Koreans grow, prepare, and enjoy sweet potatoes. And, lastly, we will try to give an answer to this peculiar relationship between Koreans and their beloved goguma.
Goguma: Korean Sweet Potatoes
Source: www.asiae.co.kr
Sweet potatoes, known as goguma (고구마), were introduced to Korea in the 18th century and eventually became an important food, especially because they could be used as a filling and affordable alternative to rice during times of food shortage.
Today, they are enjoyed as a snack, side dish, breakfast, or even in drinks and desserts. While they are eaten all year round in Korea, they become especially popular during the colder months.
One of the most iconic winter snacks is gungoguma (군고구마), or roasted sweet potato, traditionally sold hot from street vendors and now also commonly found in convenience stores and prepared at home.
Korea produces several varieties of sweet potatoes, with regions such as Haenam being particularly famous for them.
Main Types of Korean Sweet Potatoes
Source: Sesame Sprinkles
Korean sweet potatoes come in different varieties and textures, so choosing your goguma can actually be quite a serious decision!
- Bam Goguma (밤고구마): dense, relatively dry, and starchy, with a subtle sweetness and chestnut-like texture.
- Hobak Goguma (호박고구마): orange-yellow flesh with a softer, moister texture and a richer sweetness.
- Kkul Goguma (꿀고구마): extremely sweet and moist, with an almost syrupy texture when properly cured and roasted.
- Mul Goguma (물고구마): very soft and moist, with a higher water content than the drier bam goguma.
- Jeok Goguma (적고구마): recognizable by its vibrant purple flesh and commonly used in modern Korean desserts, pastries, and drinks.
Iconic Ways to Eat Goguma
Source: The Kitchn
There are many ways to enjoy sweet potatoes in Korea, but some have become especially iconic. Of course, there is gungoguma (군고구마), the classic roasted sweet potato enjoyed hot, especially during winter.
Another beloved combination is goguma with kimchi. The natural sweetness and creamy texture of the sweet potato contrast with the spicy and sour flavors of kimchi, creating a surprisingly well-balanced bite. Dongchimi, with its refreshing and slightly tangy flavor, is another traditional pairing.
Sweet potatoes have also found their way into Korean café culture through the popular goguma latte. Made by blending steamed or roasted sweet potato with milk and sweetener, this warm and creamy drink is usually caffeine-free despite its name.
For something sweeter, there is goguma mattang (고구마 맛탕), in which pieces of sweet potato are fried until golden and coated in caramelized sugar or syrup. The result is a crispy outside with a soft, sweet center.
Why Are Koreans So Obsessed With Goguma?
Source: K-campus
So, we finally arrive at the big question: why are sweet potatoes such a beloved food in Korea? After everything we’ve discovered about goguma, perhaps the answer is actually quite simple.
Goguma is affordable, easy to prepare, naturally sweet, filling, and incredibly versatile. It can be a quick snack on the way home, a warm winter treat, a healthy addition to a meal, or even a café drink.
But beyond all of that, it has something even more important: a strong connection to Korean food culture and memories.
From the traditional gungoguma sold on cold winter streets to the colorful sweet potato desserts found in modern cafés, goguma has managed to move from being an important food for survival to becoming one of Korea's favorite comfort foods.
And honestly, after spending enough winters in Korea, it is not that difficult to understand why.
Discover More Korean Food with Daebak
At Daebak, we believe that discovering Korean culture also means discovering the foods, flavors, and everyday traditions that make life in Korea so unique.
Sweet potatoes are just one example of how something simple can become an important part of Korean food culture, from winter street snacks to modern café trends.
Want to discover more Korean snacks from home? Explore SnackFever, Daebak's curated Korean snack box, featuring a selection of Korean snacks inspired by the convenience stores and food culture of Korea.
Who knows? Your next favorite Korean snack might just be goguma.
