Why are Korean chopsticks flat?

For the reason why Korean chopsticks are made flat, the most mainstream argument is that they are easy to move without rolling.

Due to the structural design of traditional Korean houses, the kitchen only has the function of cooking, and there is no dining space. In a traditional family, a wife must bring food from the kitchen to her in-laws or husband's room after cooking, and when guests visit, she will bring food to the living room to enjoy. Chopsticks, if cylindrical, tend to roll off during movement. The heavy and flat shape is relatively stable and easy to fix on the plate.

There is also a saying about eating habits. Because Koreans are used to eating kimchi, pickled kimchi is packed in jars and buried underground for preservation. When you take it out, the flat chopsticks can be easily inserted into the stems and leaves, and it is easy to cut the kimchi.

The origin of Korean chopsticks

Korean chopsticks were introduced into the Korean peninsula when Ji Zi, an old minister of Shang Dynasty, traveled to Korea. According to records, the Korean Peninsula was the first place to use chopsticks except China.

Because gold, silver and brass are all luxuries, iron chopsticks were first used by Baekje royalty, and ordinary people can only use wooden chopsticks and ceramic products. After that, South Korea promoted low-priced stainless steel products, and ordinary people gradually began to use iron chopsticks.