"This Is the Blue House Special Luncheon Menu"... The Meaning Behind 'Guobaorou' and Fried Eggs

Commemorating the Sacrifice of Ahn Jung-geun and the Cheonan Victims on March 26
Special Meal Served for All Staff and Members of the Press

To mark the 116th anniversary of the death of patriot An Jung-geun and the 16th anniversary of the Cheonan warship attack, the Blue House organized a special luncheon at its cafeteria to honor those who dedicated themselves to the nation.

The Blue House explained that this luncheon, provided on the 26th for all employees and accredited journalists, was “planned as an occasion to reflect on remembrance and gratitude, going beyond a simple meal.”

Special luncheon menu at the Blue House cafeteria on the 26th. Blue House

An Jung-geun was martyred on March 26, 1910, at Lushun Prison after assassinating Ito Hirobumi in Harbin, China, in 1909. On the same day, March 26, 2010, the Cheonan warship attack occurred near Baengnyeong Island in the West Sea, resulting in the deaths of 46 soldiers.

The Blue House prepared the luncheon around three core values: remembrance, dedication, and gratitude. “Harbin-style Guobaorou,” a dish said to have been enjoyed by independence activists, was included to honor An Jung-geun’s resolute spirit. The ceremonial vegetables—comprising bracken, radish, and spinach—were prepared to pay tribute to the martyred patriots.

Additionally, fried eggs, a favorite among soldiers in their daily lives, were served to commemorate the fallen soldiers of the Cheonan. Beef tangguk (clear soup) symbolized pure and noble spirits, while mugwort rice cakes decorated with the Taeguk pattern were offered as dessert, imparting the meaning of love for the country.

The Blue House stated, “This special meal is an effort to remember, in our daily lives, the spirit of those who sacrificed for the nation,” adding, “We hope that this occasion, prepared with sincerity and gratitude, was meaningful for everyone who participated.” The statement continued, “Through this event, we hope the public sector and the press will share in the historical significance and take the opportunity to reaffirm the values of communal responsibility and remembrance.”

This content was produced with the assistance of AI translation services.