Yeotnal Dossirak || Korean Retro Lunch Boxes, 옛날 도시락

Korean Retro Lunch Boxes, often referred to as Yeotnal Dossirak (옛날 도시락) in Korean, are a nostalgic throwback to simpler times. These lunch boxes evoke memories of school field trips and picnics, filled with simple yet delicious home-cooked meals.

What’s Inside?

Typically, these lunch boxes contain:

Steamed rice: Freshly cooked, white rice is the foundation of any Korean meal.
Kimchi: A variety of fermented cabbage dishes, from spicy to mild.
Fried egg: A sunny-side-up or over-easy egg is a classic addition.
Sausage: Often a pink, sweet sausage, sliced and fried.sausage
Stir-fried anchovies: Small, salty fish fried with sesame oil and other seasonings.
Stir-fried kimchi: A spicier version of regular kimchi.
Pickles: Various pickled vegetables, like radish or cucumber.

Why We Love Them

Nostalgia: These lunch boxes transport us back to our childhoods, filled with warm memories.
Simplicity: The ingredients are simple and easy to prepare.
Comfort food: The combination of flavors and textures is comforting and satisfying.
Versatility: The contents can be customized to suit individual preferences.

Where to Find Them

Traditional Markets: Many traditional markets in Korea sell these lunch boxes, often as a nostalgic treat.
Restaurants: Some Korean restaurants specialize in retro-themed food and offer these lunch boxes as a signature dish.
Home: You can easily make your own at home using a traditional lunch box.

Why Try Making One?

Fun: It’s a fun and easy way to connect with Korean culture.
Customizable: You can tailor the ingredients to your taste.
Great for gatherings: They’re perfect for picnics, potlucks, or family gatherings.

This image is created using data from the Korea Tourism Organization's Photo Korea, which is open under the Public Domain License. You can download these images for free from phoko.visitkorea.or.kr. (본 이미지는 공공누리 제1유형으로 개방한 ‘한국관광공사 포토코리아'의 데이터를 이용하였으며, 해당 저작물은 ‘phoko.visitkorea.or.kr’에서 무료로 다운받으실 수 있습니다.)