Yanggaeng Is Trending In Korea Thanks To K-Pop

In yet another show of retro and traditional Korean products re-emerging and even trending in fact, yanggaeng (양갱) is hot! K-pop sensation Bibi’s latest hit, “Bam Yang Gang,” has stirred up a craze and yanggaeng, a traditional Korean jelly dessert, sales are trending up.

First it was the newtro (뉴트로) trend and then the Halmennial, the combination of “halmeoni” (할머니), the word for grandmother in Korean, and “millennial” as younger connoisseurs were embracing all things nostalgic so it’s no surprise that yanggaeng is now reaping the rewards.

Whether you want to try it because of the song, or are just interested in all things traditional Korean, let me fill you in in yanggaeng and where to get the best kind.

Traditional Korean snacks like yanggaeng are delicious and luckily, they’re making a comeback thanks to the interest in nostalgic products.

(This post contains affiliate links, which means I receive a certain percentage of a sale if you purchase after clicking at no cost to you. Thank you for your support.)

Korean Yanggaeng (양갱), traditional Korean snack

What is yanggaeng?

Yanggaeng (양갱) is a traditional Korean dessert that is made from glutinous rice flour, sugar, and various other ingredients such as red bean paste, fruit, nuts, or seeds. It is usually served in a sweet and sticky form and is often enjoyed as a snack or dessert.

Geumokdang (금옥당), Insadong, Seoul, Korea; Yanggaeng (양갱)

This musical masterpiece, which dropped on February 13, 2024, has not only climbed to the pinnacle of music charts but also sparked a remarkable surge in yanggaeng sales across major South Korean convenience stores, witnessing a doubling in figures within weeks of the song’s release.

Where to buy yanggaeng

You can find yanggaeng all over the place, if you know what you’re looking for. Haitai Confectionary has a product called “Yeon Yanggaeng” which you can find in convenience stores in Korea like CU, GS25, Seven Eleven, and Emart24. For an upgraded product though, check out…

Geumokdang (금옥당)

An especially good place to find the jelly treat, but in a beautiful-design that has become popular is Geumokdang (금옥당).

Geumokdang has 16 flavors of yanggaeng including red bean, chestnut, green tea, walnut, raspberry, milk tea, jujube, sweet pumpkin, black sesame, cranberry, and pistacchio, among others. They make for beautiful gifts as the packaging features traditional Korean paintings of flowers, birds, and insects.

Locations: Geumokdang has a number of locations. Look at their website to find the nearest one in Seoul.

Geumokdang (금옥당), Insadong, Seoul, Korea; yanggaeng

On Amazon

If you’re outside of Korea and wondering what all of the fuss is about, not to worry, you can try it too because yanggaeng easily travels. Great thing about a jelly.

Yeon Yanggaeng: This is one of the most common options, yeon yanggaeng is red bean sweet jelly and it is delicious. Not too sweet. Just right.
Hongsam Yanggaeng: Another great option is hongsan yanggaeng which is yeon yanggaeng but with ginseng added. Try the tasty red ginseng sweet bean jelly.

The Music and Fun in Bam Yang Gang

Bibi’s “Bam Yang Gang” has a breezy melody and waltz-like rhythm and is an ode to the childhood memories of sharing yanggaeng. The song was released with an equally fun music video which narrates a tale of love and memory, promoting that nostalgic trend, and invites listeners into a whimsical journey, embracing the comforting sweetness of yanggaeng.

“Bam Yang Gang” manages to bridge past and present, culture and commerce, weaving together tradition and modernity into a tapestry that celebrates the rich flavors of Korean heritage. Just like yakgwa has become more and more popular in recent years, now it’s yanggaengs turn.

Bam Yang Kang Lyrics

In Korean:

떠나는 길에 니가 내게 말했지
‘너는 바라는 게 너무나 많아
잠깐이라도 널 안 바라보면
머리에 불이 나버린다니까’
나는 흐르려는 눈물을 참고
하려던 얘길 어렵게 누르고
‘그래 미안해’라는 한 마디로
너랑 나눈 날들 마무리했었지

달디달고 달디달고 달디단
밤양갱 밤양갱
내가 먹고 싶었던 건 달디단
밤양갱 밤양갱이야

떠나는 길에 니가 내게 말했지
‘너는 바라는 게 너무나 많아’
아냐 내가 늘 바란 건 하나야
한 개뿐이야 달디단 밤양갱

달디달고 달디달고 달디단
밤양갱 밤양갱
내가 먹고 싶었던 건 달디단
밤양갱 밤양갱이야

상다리가 부러지고
둘이서 먹다 하나가 쓰러져버려도
나라는 사람을 몰랐던 넌

떠나가다가 돌아서서 말했지
‘너는 바라는 게 너무나 많아’
아냐 내가 늘 바란 건 하나야
한 개뿐이야 달디단 밤양갱

In English:

As you were leaving, you said to me
“You always want far too much
if even for a moment, I look away from you”
it’s like my mind ignites into flames.”
I hold back the tears about to flow
Struggling to suppress the words I longed to share
With just a single “Yes, I’m sorry”
I closed the chapter on the days we spent together

Sweet, oh sweet, the sweet
chestnut red bean jelly
The one delight I’ve always longed to savor.
That sweet, sweet chestnut red bean jelly

As you were leaving, you said to me
“You always want far too much”
No what I’ve always wanted was one thing
Just one thing sweet chestnut red bean jelly

Sweet, oh sweet, the sweet
chestnut red bean jelly
The one delight I’ve always longed to savor.
That sweet, sweet chestnut red bean jelly

So much food the table might collapse
Knocking one of us down
You never knew who I really was

As you were leaving you turned around and said to me
“You always want far too much”
No what I’ve always wanted was one thing
Just one thing sweet chestnut red bean jelly

Did you like this post? Pin iT!