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The Dual Names: Bibim and Goldongban
Bibimbap became its standardized name in the late 19th century. Before that, it was known by various Chinese character names such as Goldongban (骨董飯), Honban (混飯), and Hwaban (花飯). The term "Goldong (骨董)" originally meant "a collection of various things" in Chinese, using the same character as in "antique" (골동품). The Dongguksesigi (東國歲時記, 1849) recorded Goldongban as "a custom of mixing and eating leftover food on New Year's Eve to clear out the old year's provisions." This practice highlights its historical role in resourcefulness and tradition.
The Five Colors of Jeonju Bibimbap
The essence of Jeonju Bibimbap lies in its five distinct colors: blue-green (spinach), red (carrot, gochujang), yellow (egg), white (rice, bean sprouts), and black (fernbrake, seaweed). These colors symbolize the Eastern philosophy of the Five Elements (五行): Wood, Fire, Earth, Metal, and Water. Thus, a single bowl is said to contain the balance of the universe. This elevated aesthetic, reminiscent of the "Heonsiksang (獻食床)" presented to the king, extended even to the farmer's bowl, embodying the egalitarian spirit of Korean food culture.
Bibimbap and the Royal Table
One theory suggests that royal bibimbap originated from the practice of mixing leftover side dishes from the king's 12-dish meal the following day. While records in the Gungjung Ilgi (Palace Diary) are sparse, the Gungjung Eumsik Balgi (Records of Royal Cuisine) from the late Joseon period does include an entry for "Goldongjiban (骨董之飯)." Another theory, the farmer's theory, posits that it began with farmers mixing rice and vegetables together in the fields (들밥, 野食) due to a scarcity of bowls. Both theories hold truth, illustrating bibimbap as a dish where formality from above and practicality from below converge.
Mixing Through the Character 混
The Chinese character "混 (Hon)" is formed by combining water (氵) with gon (昆), originally depicting the merging of rivers. In the "Ying Di Wang" chapter of the Zhuangzi (莊子), the myth of "The Death of Hundun" (渾沌之死) tells of Hundun, the embodiment of chaos, dying after seven holes were drilled into him. This story conveys the teaching that natural, unforced mixing represents the deepest state of being. Bibimbap is a food that embodies this very spirit; its true flavor emerges only when it is thoroughly and harmoniously mixed.
