A variety of Dosirak (packed meal)

Dosirak (Hangul: 도시락; Hanja: 道食樂), also known as Gwakbap (Hangul: 곽밥; Hanja: 槨-) refers to a packed meal, often for lunch. It usually consists of bap (밥, cooked rice) and several banchan (side dishes).^[1][2] The lunch boxes, also called dosirak or dosirak-tong (dosirak case), are typically plastic or thermo-steel containers with or without compartments or tiers.^[3] Dosirak is often home-made, but is also sold in train stations and convenience stores.^[4][5]

The concept of easily getting a meal in outdoor activities has existed in every country since ancient times. Even in ancient Korea, there are cultural assets related to lunch boxes such as the square lunch boxes from Seobongchong, a relic of Silla kingdom. In Joseon dynasty, lunchboxes with banchan and rice were usually contained in bamboo wicker baskets or lacquered boxes depending on social status of the person.^[6]

Varieties

Home-made dosirak is often packed in tiered lunch boxes that can separate bap (cooked rice) and banchan (side dishes).^[7] The guk (soup) tier, if included, is usually kept warm by insulation.^[8] Plastic or thermo-steel containers are most common, but combinations of wood and lacquer, ceramics and bamboo, as well as other materials, are also used.^[9]

Yennal-dosirak (옛날 도시락; "old-time dosirak") consists of bap (rice), stir-fried kimchi, egg-washed and pan-fried sausages, fried eggs, and shredded gim (seaweed), typically packed in a rectangular lunchbox made of tinplate or German silver. It is shaken with the lid on, thereby mixing the ingredients prior to eating.^[3][8]

Gimbap-dosirak (김밥 도시락; "packed gimbap"), made with sliced gimbap (seaweed rolls), is often packed for picnics.^[10]

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