My Life as a 떡볶이 (Tteokbokki)

My Life as a 떡볶이 (Tteokbokki)

If I were to give a metaphor to my complicated self and life, a cute way to do that is by using the Korean dish named “떡볶이” (tteokbokki or ddeokbokki). It might not be familiar with many Filipinos but it is actually a highly popular street food and a comfort food of Koreans that fans of K-pop and K-drama, like me, consider this as one of the basics in understanding the Korean culture. With its taste of spiciness and sweetness, this stir-fried rice cake dish might just give justice in defining myself and the things I have experienced.


taken from the article "Tteokbokki (Spicy Stir-fried Rice Cakes)" in https://www.koreanbapsang.com/tteokbokki-spicy-stir-fried-rice-cakes/


Tteokbokki and My Personality are the same

The red-orangey appearance of the tteokbokki initially signifies its spiciness. It came from the ingredients gochujang (Korean red chili pepper paste) and gochugaru (Korean red chili pepper flakes), both of which are spicy. A look at it will actually tell you that it is a food that will make your tongue and mouth numb with pain. Same with my personality, I am fierce, sassy and hot-headed. At times, if one would be able to see me, they would notice right away that my forehead is creased and my eyes burning with anger. If not, I might look very serious, without a glint of happiness or a smile. It is what I consider as my defense mechanism; a way to protect myself from other people, most especially to those who would want to hurt or harm me.
Tasting tteokbokki, people would notice the hint of sweetness in it. Although it is not visually obvious, but the sugar and corn syrup is added in its sauce. This, then contributes to the sweet taste of the dish, as well as, balances the spicy taste. My personality states the same. Even though I always look angry, I am actually sweet and I always smile. I always give considerations when needed and I do not make other people’s lives difficult, most especially my students. I support others when they need me to. I take good care of my friends. Also, I always smile and laugh and this gives positive energy and vibes to the people around me. I am actually known as a happy person, most especially in my work. This is because I consider happiness as the key to a better life.

Tteokbokki and My Life Experiences are the same

In life, I have stumbled upon a lot of challenges which made it difficult for me. A “spicy” experience, for example, was when I was having a hard time adjusting to my internship days in college because I found my Cooperating Teacher has a high standard. Another was when I found out that my younger sister was pregnant at a young age, I did not know what to do that it gave me a hard time focusing on my studies. Also, I got to a point in my life wherein working as a teacher and taking up my Master’s Degree at the same time was so difficult that I cannot balance both.
At the end of those sad and difficult parts of my life, still, I was able to have those “sweet" experiences. One of those is when I graduated Cum Laude in college. Another was when my younger sister gave birth to my niece which is now one of the sources of my happiness. Also, I am having a fulfilling job as a teacher to many students. 


The spicy and sweet taste of tteokbokki made me remind of my personality, as well as, my experiences in life. Amidst of the ups and downs of me, it is of great reminder that tteokbokki is still eaten by many Koreans and is considered to be their comfort food; that my life, would still be continuing for me to contribute something to other people and that I can be of comfort to others.
In the future, if I will be eating a tteokbokki, I would be reminded of myself.

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