Dalgona Candy Challenge is a traditional Korean game known as "달고나 뽑기" (Dalgona Bbopgi). This game involves a piece of dalgona, a brittle candy made from melted sugar and baking soda, which is then pressed with various shapes. Here’s a detailed look at how the game is played and its cultural context.
How to Play
- Making the Dalgona: The game starts with creating the dalgona candy. Sugar is melted in a ladle over low heat until it becomes a golden liquid. A pinch of baking soda is then added, which causes the sugar to foam and expand. The mixture is quickly poured onto a flat surface and pressed flat. Various molds are used to imprint shapes like stars, circles, or umbrellas onto the candy before it hardens.
- Game Setup: Each player receives a piece of dalgona with an imprinted shape. The objective of the game is to carefully carve out the shape using a small needle or pin without breaking it.
- Carving the Shape: Players use a needle or pin to gently etch around the outline of the shape. The key is to remove the surrounding candy without cracking or breaking the shape itself.
- Winning the Game: A player wins if they successfully extract the shape from the dalgona without breaking it. If the shape breaks or cracks, the player loses.
Cultural Significance
Dalgona Bbopgi is a nostalgic game that many Koreans remember fondly from their childhood. It was commonly sold by street vendors near schools, providing children with a tasty treat and a fun challenge. The game requires patience, a steady hand, and precision, making it both a delicious and engaging activity.
Tips for Playing
- Patience is Key: Rushing can cause the dalgona to break, so take your time.
- Steady Hands: Use steady, gentle pressure when carving out the shape to avoid cracking the candy.
- Use Heat: Some players gently heat the needle over a flame to make carving easier, but this requires careful handling to avoid melting too much of the candy.
Good Luck!
Dalgona Candy Challenge (달고나 뽑기) combines a simple yet delicious treat with a fun and challenging game. This traditional activity has seen a resurgence in popularity, especially after being featured in the hit series "Squid Game." Making and playing with dalgona offers a sweet way to connect with Korean culture and enjoy a bit of playful competition.