Tuesday, March 3, 2026
Since the day before yesterday, various kinds of seasoned greens and five-grain rice have been appearing at the market side dish shops.
I wondered what day it was, but it turns out today is the Great Full Moon Festival.
The seasonality of the market that arrived before the calendar.
Daeboreum is said to be a day to pray for abundance and health for the year.
The abundance that is important to me is not grand achievements, but things like the余裕 (leisure/space) that fills the gaps in the heart.
I hope this is a year where sharp thoughts come to resemble the curve of a round full moon.
Friendly superstitions such as sharing a meal with three or more households of different surnames brings good fortune, and eating wild greens wards off the heat.
I am not at all familiar with vegetarian meals, especially seasoned greens, but today, just for now, I find myself curious about that slightly bitter taste. The scent of the earth filling my mouth and the honest texture of the grass.
I neatly arranged the seasoned greens and five-grain rice bought at the market.
A cute superstition that drinking cold liquor on the morning of the Great Full Moon brings good news.
Even though the morning has passed and Jeongjong was served instead of traditional Cheongju, what does it matter?
The transparent anticipation of filling the glass is enough.
I took a big spoonful of sticky rice and seasoned vegetables drizzled with perilla oil.
The taste exceeded my expectations. The seasoning is so perfect that simply calling it mild doesn't do it justice.
A menu item that would normally feel so distant fits perfectly into the empty space in my heart today.
I am satisfied with the small joys I wouldn't have known had it not been for a day like today.
Wednesday, March 11, 2026
A simple meal at Bong-i Pork Cutlet in Bongcheon-dong.
The pork cutlet is good, but there is something even more special about this place.
The owner always greets us with "Hello," treating everyone with courtesy that goes beyond mere kindness, and I am so glad to see that greeting remain unchanged for such a long time.
I have visited this house many times, but you have never changed. It is remarkable that you maintain such a consistent attitude amidst your repetitive daily routine and work.
Not merely a polite person, but an unwavering one. That seemed like the boss's affection for both his work and his life.
I leave feeling that it is better than pork cutlet.
(I had the assorted cutlets, and while that was good, I recommend the cheese pork cutlet.)