Ever wondered why Koreans use metal chopsticks instead of light wooden or plastic ones?
Here’s why Koreans use metal chopsticks!
Quick Summary
- Koreans have been using metal chopsticks since the 6th century.
- The materials changed from bronze and silver to stainless steel.
- Koreans use metal chopsticks because they’re practical, hygienic, and durable!
1. Historical Origins of Metal Chopsticks
The use of metal chopsticks in Korea dates back to the 6th century.
The oldest metal (bronze) chopsticks discovered in Korea are from the tomb of King Muryeong of Baekje according to the Dong-A Ilbo article written by Kang In Uk, Professor of History at Kyung Hee University, “Koreans Using Slippery Metal Chopsticks Pick Up the Shiny ‘Symbol of Nobility’.”
Royal families used silver utensils to detect poison during the Goryeo (918-1392) and Joseon Dynasty (1392-1897), as silver changes color when exposed to toxins.
Over time, silver chopsticks became a symbol of wealth and royalty, so common people started using more affordable metals like steel to emulate the royals.
2. The Practical Advantages of Metal Chopsticks
Most Koreans today use metal chopsticks without thinking much about it.
I simply grew up using them!
Metal chopsticks are durable, easy to clean, and last longer than wooden ones.
Metal chopsticks are more hygienic than wood, which can absorb moisture and bacteria over time. They can be easily sterilized in hot water or dishwashers, making them a cleaner and safer option.
Koreans still use wooden chopsticks for cooking or picnics. But metal chopsticks are preferred for daily meals, especially since they come in a set with a spoon.
As Koreans always use chopsticks with a spoon, we can resort to the spoon when picking up particularly slippery banchan (side dishes).
3. Why Metal Chopsticks Are Great
Metal chopsticks are incredibly durable and eco-friendly since they can be reused indefinitely.
They’re also sanitary, heat-resistant, and even dishwasher-safe!
Korean parents believe that using metal chopsticks helps with small muscle development, requiring more dexterity and hand strength.
Personally, growing up with metal chopsticks has given me strong hands, making it easy to break disposable chopsticks in other countries!
4. Challenges of Using Metal Chopsticks
Metal chopsticks are heavier, slipperier, and more difficult to handle compared to wooden or plastic chopsticks.
Unlike the round, lightweight chopsticks used in China or Japan, Korean metal chopsticks are typically flat and narrow. This requires more precision and finger strength.
For beginners, picking up slippery foods like noodles or thinly sliced meats can be frustrating.
The weight distribution and lack of grip make it harder to maneuver delicate items like tofu or fish. I think this is why many people visiting Korea struggle to use them properly at first.
But once you get used to it, you can develop better hand dexterity and finger strength, which can be helpful if you’re playing musical instruments.
Some even say that learning to use metal chopsticks improves fine motor skills, making them a fun yet challenging part of Korean dining culture.
5. Are Metal Chopsticks Better for the Environment?
One significant advantage of metal chopsticks is their reusability and sustainability.
Unlike disposable wooden chopsticks, which contribute to deforestation, or plastic chopsticks, which add to environmental waste, metal chopsticks can last for years or even forever.
In countries that heavily rely on disposable chopsticks, millions of trees are cut down each year to produce them. Not to mention that plastic chopsticks pose a long-term waste problem, as they take centuries to decompose.
By using durable stainless steel chopsticks, Koreans reduce single-use waste and promote an eco-friendlier dining habit.
While metal chopsticks require energy to produce, their long lifespan makes them a more sustainable choice in the long run.
Korean metal chopsticks are practical, hygienic, and durable. They’re more than just a cultural quirk!
When you’re at a Korean restaurant next time, try using metal chopsticks. You just might need to stretch your hands before and after.
