#SquidGame Make Your Own Dalgona

If you are into Korean series, you might already know about the new Netflix show ‘Squid game’, right? Which is undoubtedly a great show to learn about the Korean traditional games and activities! But one of the games that seemed to caught everyone’s attention, was the ‘Honeycomb game’. Which we saw on episode 3. Well, that is actually known as Dalgona. A traditional candy that you can easily make at your home! So if you are interested to ride this trend, check this article to learn how to make Dalgona just like in Squid Game!

We are not sure if you will be able to win this game though…

What is Dalgona?

Dalgona is a candy that was popular among children in the 1960s~1970s. Made out of white sugar. Which is poured on a small pan and melted over briquettes. To then be stirred with baking soda.

Even though it has been a long time since this was the preferred candy of everyone, it is still possible to make it at some street snack stalls in South Korea.

Dalgona as a gambling game?

Back in the old days ㅡ around the 90s ㅡ, making dalgona was in fact considered a ’gambling’ game. And to participate, you needed to pay between 50-100₩ for one chance. If you get to cut the shape perfectly, you could win around 300-500₩. Of course, you could eat the edges as long as you do not destroy the shape that is on the center.

A popular method to win this game, was applying saliva to the needle. In order to extract it safely. Fortunately, there was no punishment for loosing the game. The only loss would be those 50-100₩.

Very interesting, right? Taking in consideration that the participants of ‘Squid game’ were people addicted to gambling, this dalgona game indeed fits perfectly.

How to Make Dalgona?

To live the full experience, I would recommend you to go to this type of snack stall when you come to South Korea. There, they will teach you how to make it in the traditional way!

1) Pay attention to the outline

It is very easy to know in which snack stall you can do dalgona. As they have these little stoves with a pan above. There, the employee will put the necessary sugar and give you instructions.

The first step is simple. You just need to wait for 1 minute paying attention to the edges. As they melt first.

2) Make lines to the center

After waiting for 1 minute, you need to make lines towards the center. Until it starts to melt.

3) Stir carefully

When it is finally melting, you just need to stir in circles.

If it is not fully melted yet, you can poke the little sugar mountains to disintegrate them.

4) Add baking soda

You need to add just a little bit of baking soda. Be careful with this! You cannot put a lot. Because if you do so, the taste will not be good.

Next, you must stir. You will know if you put the right amount of baking soda if it takes the color of caramel.

5) Follow these steps!

Once it took the color of caramel, you need to slowly follow the shape of the circle 3-4 times. Before stirring fast at the middle.

And you gradually need to do faster movements!

Almost ready now!

After following those steps, it is now time to turn it into a lollipop! Which is one of the ways you can in fact eat this famous candy.

The staff will then bring it to this cold recipient. Where he will pour the mix and add a thin stick to turn it into a lollipop. Before stamping your favorite shape!

Pick your favorite shape!

Don’t worry! This is of course not Squid Game. So you will be able to pick any shape that you want. Even more than one! You are completely safe… who knows?

After that, you are ready to go! They will ask you whether you want to eat it there. Or if you want it as ‘take out’. If so, they will wrap it on plastic and decorate with a cute ribbon. Perfect for a gift!

Full Video of the Process

As you can see, the process is very simple. So you can make it easily at home. Especially because it does not require many ingredients. Just two!

Where Can I Make Dalgona in South Korea?

In fact, you can easily find dalgona stalls in South Korea. As it is a traditional candy from the country. However, there are some cities that stand out when talking about this activity.

One of these, is Gunsan. A historic city that despite of its growth, they keep these traditions alive! To the extend that if you come to Gunsan and do not make dalgona, people would consider that you did not even visit this city.

Location of this Dalgona Stall

Address: Jeollabuk-do, Gunsan-si, Gyeongchonan 3-gil, 49 KR
More information (Korean)

Final Thoughts

Making dalgona is a must when you come to South Korea. Whether it is trending or not. As it is something very traditional. And indeed, an easy activity in which even foreigners can easily participate.

As for ‘Squid Game’, we totally recommend you to watch it because you will not only learn about this dalgona game. But also about other traditional Korean games.

Have you ever done Dalgona before? What did you think? Let us know in the comments below.

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