Why Yakgwa Was Loved by the Joseon Royal Court

Its Role as a Palace Food and Historical Records

Among Korea’s traditional sweets, yakgwa (약과, 藥菓) holds a special place as a dessert of high prestige. During the Joseon Dynasty, it was far more than a simple snack—it was a valued delicacy that appeared in royal ceremonies, banquets, and ancestral rites.

Official documents such as the Annals of the Joseon Dynasty and the Uigwe (royal protocol books) frequently mention the use of yakgwa in palace settings. In this article, we’ll explore why yakgwa was so cherished in the royal court, its role as a palace food, and examples of how it featured in royal banquets.

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Yakgwa: A Dessert Reflecting Royal Elegance

Yakgwa is made by mixing wheat flour with ingredients like honey, sesame oil, ginger juice, and rice wine. The dough is deep-fried and then soaked in honey syrup. This method not only enhances the flavor but also incorporates ingredients believed to promote health, which made yakgwa particularly valued by the royal family.

The word yak (藥) means “medicine,” highlighting the dessert’s health benefits. This reflects the royal kitchen's philosophy of creating foods that supported the well-being of the king and queen.

In the Joseon era, food wasn’t just nourishment—it symbolized health, virtue, and social values. Yakgwa, as one of the most representative traditional sweets (han-gwa), perfectly embodied these ideals.

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The Role of Yakgwa in Palace Cuisine

In the royal court, yakgwa was used in three major contexts:

1. Ancestral Rites

Ancestral rituals in the royal family were considered foundational state events. In ceremonies such as those held at Jongmyo Shrine, yakgwa was a required item. Even among commoners, yakgwa was regarded as the most distinguished sweet for such rites.

2. Ceremonial Events

In royal ceremonies—like weddings, 60th birthday celebrations, or royal births—it was customary to serve a variety of traditional sweets. Yakgwa was always central among them. For example, during the jinyeon (formal banquet) held to choose the Crown Prince’s consort, yakgwa was included on the ceremonial table.

3. Royal Banquets and Feasts

At court banquets, yakgwa was served as a dessert after the main meal. It added a refined and elegant finishing touch, symbolizing the royal family's hospitality and grace.

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Yakgwa in the Annals of the Joseon Dynasty

The Annals and Uigwe offer several records that show yakgwa’s significance:

• 1705 (31st year of King Sukjong): The king gifted yakgwa and yumilgwa (another deep-fried sweet) to the queen during her illness. This shows yakgwa was seen as both a healthful and thoughtful treat.
• King Jeongjo’s banquet for Lady Hyegyeong: During his mother’s 60th birthday celebration, yakgwa was included in the elaborate banquet spread, which featured 12 types of traditional sweets. Yakgwa was one of the main desserts recorded.
• 1764 (40th year of King Yeongjo): In a royal banquet held within the palace, yakgwa was served, and the king referred to it as “food containing the virtue of the heart,” indicating its symbolic value as a reflection of moral and cultural ideals.

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The Cultural Significance of Yakgwa

Yakgwa wasn’t loved just for its taste. Its preparation involved fine ingredients, care, and time—making it a symbol of health, virtue, and refinement. Ingredients like honey, oil, and ginger were traditionally used as medicinal items, so yakgwa was both delicious and health-promoting.

Its beautiful appearance and neat presentation also aligned with the royal court’s aesthetic values.

The royal court’s appreciation of yakgwa eventually spread to noble families and the general public. Over time, it became a beloved treat for festivals and family celebrations throughout Korean society.

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Conclusion

Yakgwa is more than just a traditional Korean sweet—it reflects the values and philosophy of the Joseon royal court. It served as a health food for kings and queens, a refined dessert at royal banquets, and a key item in ancestral rites and ceremonies.

Even today, yakgwa continues to be a meaningful symbol of Korean tradition and heritage, cherished on dining tables across the country.