It can be well evidenced by red beans unearthed at an archeological site dating back to the Bronze Age in Hoeryong, North Hamgyong Province.

Red bean has been considered to be a fine health food as it is rich in different nutritious ingredients like protein, carbohydrate and Vitamin B1.

Carried in "Tongguksesigi" and other old books is a method of making rice gruel with mashed red bean, a special diet for the winter solstice day.

This year, the winter solstice day falls on December 22.