5 Easy Comforting Korean Food to Celebrate Hangul Day (한글날) and World Mental Health Day 2024

안녕하세요! (Hello!)

On this special day, we’re celebrating not only #HangulDay, which honors the beauty of the Korean language, but also #WorldMentalHealthDay a reminder to take care of our minds and hearts.

Celebrating Hangul Day (한글날), which honors the creation of the Korean alphabet by King Sejong the Great, is a perfect opportunity to enjoy some simple and delicious Korean dishes at home!  Here are five easy recipes that you can cook to mark the day:

1. Bibimbap (Korean Mixed Rice)

This colorful and nutritious dish is a Korean classic, and it’s super simple to make. All you need is rice, sautéed vegetables (like carrots, spinach, mushrooms), a fried egg, and some gochujang (Korean chili paste) for that perfect balance of flavors. You can also add beef or tofu to make it heartier. It’s a great way to explore Korean cuisine while appreciating the beauty of Hangul.

2. Kimchi Jeon (Kimchi Pancakes)

Kimchi Jeon is a simple, savory pancake made from kimchi and basic pantry ingredients. It’s crispy, flavorful, and easy to whip up in under 20 minutes. Plus, it’s a great way to use up any leftover kimchi in your fridge. Serve with soy dipping sauce and enjoy as a snack or side dish.

3. Tteokbokki (Spicy Rice Cakes)

Tteokbokki is one of Korea’s most beloved street foods, and it's incredibly easy to make at home. The chewy rice cakes are cooked in a sweet and spicy gochujang sauce, making this dish both comforting and addictive. You can add boiled eggs or fish cakes for extra texture and flavor.

4. Kimchi Fried Rice

Kimchi Fried Rice (Kimchi Bokkeumbap) is a popular Korean comfort dish made by stir-frying rice with kimchi, a fermented cabbage side dish. It's quick, flavorful, and often topped with a fried egg, offering a perfect balance of spicy, savory, and tangy flavors. This easy-to-make meal is a delicious way to use leftover rice and kimchi, and it's packed with gut-friendly probiotics, making it both satisfying and nutritious!

5. Kimbap (Korean Seaweed Rice Rolls)

Kimbap is Korea’s answer to sushi and makes for a perfect snack or light meal. It’s basically rice, vegetables, and protein (like beef, tuna, or egg) rolled up in seaweed. Kimbap is easy to make at home, and you can customize the fillings based on what you have available. It’s a great dish to prepare with friends or family.

Why Korean cooking for mental health? Korean food, with its balance of flavors and emphasis on fermented, nutrient-rich ingredients like kimchi, offers a sense of comfort and well-being. Fermented foods are known to support gut health, which is closely linked to mental well-being. So, when you’re enjoying this dish, you’re not just filling your stomach you’re nourishing your mind, too.

Cooking can be a form of self-care. By preparing something nourishing, you’re practicing mindfulness and showing yourself the same care you’d show others. Taking care of your mind is just as vital as caring for your body. Whether through mindful cooking or other practices, find moments to nurture yourself. And if you're struggling, don't hesitate to reach out for support. Seeking help when needed is a sign of strength, and there are always resources and people ready to support you. Mental health is a journey we don’t have to take alone.