Yumil-gwa (Korean: 유밀과; Hanja: 油蜜菓) is a variety of hangwa, a traditional Korean confection. Different varieties of yumil-gwa can be made by combining a wheat flour dough with various ingredients such as: honey, cooking oil, cinnamon powder, nuts, ginger juice, jujube, and cheongju (rice wine).[1]
Excessive use of yumil-gwa has led to the introduction of several regulations throughout history.[3] In 1117, King Sukjong issued a restriction on the extravagant usage of yumil-gwa.[3] In 1192, it was commanded that yumil-gwa had to be replaced with fruits. In 1353, a total ban was placed on yumil-gwa.[2] During the Joseon era (1392–1897), the use of yumil-gwa was restricted solely for rites, weddings, and toasts to longevity.[3]
Chasu-gwa (차수과; 叉手菓) is a hand-shaped yumil-gwa with five fingers.[4]
Jungbaekki (중배끼), also called junggye (중계; 中桂), jungbakgye (중박계; 中朴桂), or junggye-gwa (중계과; 中桂菓), are rectangular yumil-gwa that are pan-fried before served.[5]
Mandu-gwa (만두과; 饅頭菓) is deep-fried sweet dumplings.
Maejap-gwa (매잡과; 梅雜菓), also called maejak-gwa (매작과; 梅雀菓) or tarae-gwa (타래과), is a ribbon-shaped yumil-gwa.
Yakgwa (약과; 藥果), also called gwajul (과줄), is flower-shaped yumil-gwa made by molding and deep-frying sweet dough.
