The bowl-shaped steamer has holes in its flat bottom and dishes are boiled or warmed up by steam coming up through them.

Steamer began to be used in Korea in the Bronze Age.

Earthenware steamers, believed to have been used by ancient people, were unearthed in the township of Musan County, North Hamgyong Province and Maengha-ri of Pakchon County, North Phyongan Province.

Some of the tomb murals dating back to the period of Koguryo kingdom (277 B.C.-668 A.D) contain paintings of women cooking with steamers.

The earthenware steamer gradually developed into ceramic and brass ones.

Typical of the food prepared with the steamer is rice cake.