보기 좋은 떡이 먹기도 좋다더니.
bogi joeun tteogi meokgido jotadeoni.
They say good-looking tteok tastes good too.
Signification
Things that look good are often good in quality or taste; appearance matters.
Contexte culturel
The emphasis on 'visual harmony' in food is linked to the concept of 'Yaksik-dongwon' ({藥|약}{食|식}{同|동}{源|원}), meaning food and medicine come from the same source. Beautiful, colorful food is seen as balanced and healthy. Japan shares a very similar value in 'Moritsuke' (the art of plating). The vessel is considered the 'clothes' of the food, and the proverb 'Cuisine is eaten with the eyes' is a core culinary principle. In Western fine dining, the 'Michelin' standard often evaluates plating as a key component of the experience, aligning with the idea that visual effort reflects kitchen discipline. On platforms like Instagram, the 'visual' has become the primary currency. This proverb is now used to justify the high prices of 'aesthetic' cafes in Seoul.
Use '-더니' for naturalness
Instead of just saying the proverb, add '-더니' to show you are confirming it with your own eyes. It sounds much more like a native speaker.
Don't use for people
Avoid using this to describe a person's attractiveness unless you are talking specifically about their professional 'presentation' or 'branding'.
Signification
Things that look good are often good in quality or taste; appearance matters.
Use '-더니' for naturalness
Instead of just saying the proverb, add '-더니' to show you are confirming it with your own eyes. It sounds much more like a native speaker.
Don't use for people
Avoid using this to describe a person's attractiveness unless you are talking specifically about their professional 'presentation' or 'branding'.
The 'Tteok' connection
Remember that rice cakes are festive food. Using this proverb implies that the thing you are describing is a bit of a 'treat' or something special.
Teste-toi
Fill in the blanks to complete the proverb in a natural conversation.
A: 와, 이 케이크 정말 예쁘네요! B: 그러게요. 보기 좋은 ( )이 ( )도 좋다더니 정말 맛있어 보여요.
The standard proverb uses '떡' (rice cake) and '먹기' (eating).
Which situation is the MOST appropriate for using this proverb?
다음 중 이 속담을 쓰기에 가장 적절한 상황은?
This proverb is used when visual beauty correlates with high quality.
Complete the dialogue using the correct form of the proverb.
가: 새로 산 노트북 디자인이 정말 마음에 들어. 나: 디자인만 예쁜 게 아니라 성능도 최고라며? ( )
The context is a product that is both pretty and high-performing, which fits the proverb perfectly.
🎉 Score : /3
Aides visuelles
Banque d exercices
3 exercicesA: 와, 이 케이크 정말 예쁘네요! B: 그러게요. 보기 좋은 ( )이 ( )도 좋다더니 정말 맛있어 보여요.
The standard proverb uses '떡' (rice cake) and '먹기' (eating).
다음 중 이 속담을 쓰기에 가장 적절한 상황은?
This proverb is used when visual beauty correlates with high quality.
가: 새로 산 노트북 디자인이 정말 마음에 들어. 나: 디자인만 예쁜 게 아니라 성능도 최고라며? ( )
The context is a product that is both pretty and high-performing, which fits the proverb perfectly.
🎉 Score : /3
Questions fréquentes
4 questionsYes! It is very common to use it for electronics, cars, books, and even well-organized documents.
Not at all! It is a high compliment. It means you recognize the effort they put into the presentation and you expect the taste to be just as good.
'맛도 좋다' focuses strictly on the flavor. '먹기도 좋다' is the original proverb and implies the whole experience of eating is pleasant.
It is neutral. You can use it with friends, but also in a business meeting if you are discussing design or marketing.
Expressions liées
금상첨화 ({錦|금}{上|상}{添|첨}{花|화})
builds onAdding a flower to silk; making something good even better.
다홍치마 (같은 값이면 다홍치마)
similarIf the price is the same, choose the red (prettier) skirt.
빛 좋은 개살구
contrastA wild apricot with a good color; looks good but tastes bad.
