As the glow of the harvest moon draws near, a CGTN stringer hit the streets of Seoul with a simple mission: introduce South Koreans to the beloved Chinese mainland tradition of mooncakes. Locals picked from an array of flavorslassic lotus seed paste, red bean, and salted egg yolk nd took their first bites on camera, offering candid reactions and fresh insights.
Smiles lit up as participants discovered the balance of sweet fillings and tender crusts. Lee Ilho, one Seoul resident, summed it up: "I know that in the Chinese mainland, the Mid-Autumn Festival is a day for travel, family reunions, and enjoying mooncakes. A big gala is broadcast on TV to celebrate the occasion."
This cross-cultural tasting session highlights how food can bridge borders and spark curiosity. For many, mooncakes are more than a snack symbol of reunion and festivity under the full moon. As global citizens, these moments of discovery remind us that traditions can thrive and adapt beyond their birthplace, connecting communities in surprising ways.
Reference(s):
We Talk: South Koreans' reactions to their first bite of mooncakes
cgtn.com