As the Mid-Autumn Festival approaches, a unique cultural exchange unfolded in Seoul when residents sampled traditional Chinese mooncakes for the first time. A CGTN stringer documented spontaneous reactions as participants randomly selected flavors ranging from classic lotus seed paste to modern ice cream varieties.
"The sweetness reminds me of Korean rice cakes, but the texture is completely new," said Lee Ilho, one of the tasters. He demonstrated familiarity with the festival's traditions, noting: "I know families reunite, watch TV galas, and admire the moon together in China during this time."
The experiment revealed both curiosity and common ground. Several participants drew parallels between mooncakes and Korean holiday desserts like songpyeon, while others expressed surprise at the intricate pastry designs symbolizing celestial harmony.
This lighthearted tasting session highlights growing cultural awareness across Asia, with food serving as a bridge for cross-strait understanding. The Mid-Autumn Festival, celebrated on the 15th day of the eighth lunar month, continues gaining international recognition through such grassroots exchanges.
