1. What kind of brand is ‘Saenggwabang’?

Saenggwabang is a premium handmade yakgwa specialty store that modernizes the traditional Korean snack, yakgwa, and presents it as an elegant gift. Our yakgwa boasts a rich flavor by using only syrup made from grain rather than corn syrup. We have eight different flavors, utilizing traditional ingredients like Boseong green tea and bellflower root, as well as trendy ingredients like vanilla and raspberry. The name 'Saenggwabang' is derived from the term for the royal kitchen of the Joseon Dynasty. Our goal is to modernize traditional Korean snacks to suit the taste buds of people today and promote them worldwide.

2. What inspired the 12-piece pack of yakgwa?

Yakgwa has been a beloved traditional snack since the Goryeo Dynasty, enjoyed by commoners as well as the royal family and nobility. Recently, it has gained popularity as a dessert among young consumers alongside the "halmennial" trend. We recognized that to entice not only domestic young consumers but also the global market, product appeal and branding were essential. Therefore, we aimed to introduce a sensual and sophisticated product that stands out among other yakgwa options on the market.

3. What aspect did you focus on the most while developing yakgwa?

The primary focus during product development was to create high-quality yakgwa that could compete with global desserts like madeleines, financiers, and cannelés. To achieve this, we concentrated on improving texture, eliminating oil odor, and reducing floury taste, which involved over 10 months of product development and testing. As a result, we were able to complete a high-quality yakgwa that has a deep flavor derived solely from grain syrup while having excellent texture, and free of oily smell by oven-baking.

4. It seems that the process was not entirely smooth.

Yakgwa is a much more intricate dessert than one might think. Small differences in timing of adding syrup, the batter's consistency, temperature and humidity, and drying time can lead to issues such as deformation or syrup leakage. We had to conduct numerous tests while considering these variables. Additionally, producing yakgwa of consistent quality based on the final recipe posed a significant challenge. Developing the packaging was also a difficult task

5. What was the most memorable moment during the contest?

I particularly remember the final in-person evaluation session. I was surprised and nervous to see far more judges than I had expected. It was impressive to see the involvement of so many people in selecting a souvenir that represents Korea. Being chosen as an awardee motivates me to do my best to promote Korea's tradition and culture to more tourists, acting as a “stimulant” to spark their interest in Korea’s diverse culture.

6. What are your future plans and goals?

Saenggwabang aims to grow into a K-dessert brand of Korea, introducing various competitive products in the global market and widely promoting Korean food culture. This year, we have already showcased our yakgwa in several countries, including New York, Belgium, Tokyo, and Singapore, and starting next year, we plan to actively pursue exports to overseas markets.