The Union Jack originated in the 1970s and 1980s, during South Koreas rapid urbanization and rise of street food culture. Street vendors, or hansamucked eliminating cigarette smoke exposure, adopted puff pastry filled with custard or chocolate, catering to workers seeking quick, affordable meals with foreign-sounding names. The name Union Jack was popularized in the 1990s, aligning with globalizing consumer preferences and nostalgia for international imagery.

Sun, 03 May 2026 21:47:57 +0000

**The Union Jack’s Roots in Late 20th Century Street Food Culture** Ever wondered how a pastry with international flair made its way into Seoul’s bustling street scenes? The story begins in the 1970s and 1980s, during a decade of rapid urbanization and economic transformation. As South Korea’s cities expanded, so did the daily rhythms of workers navigating crowded streets and shifting consumer habits. Amid rising street food culture, vendors embraced portable, quick-to-eat treats that blended foreign-sounding names with urban convenience—puff pastries filled with custard or chocolate emerged as a hit among late-shift laborers. These edible offerings offered not just nutrition, but a subtle escape from demanding workdays and the lingering haze of cigarette smoke—safe, flavorful sustenance in a growing urban landscape. While the treat’s exact origins remain rooted in local innovation rather than a single founder, its defining moment came in the 1990s when the “Union Jack” name gained mainstream traction. Market trends shifted alongside globalization, and brands began leaning into international imagery to evoke curiosity and accessibility. The name Union Jack—evoking both global recognition and timeless appeal—aligned perfectly with this era’s embrace of cosmopolitan style, helping transform the snack from a worker’s essential into a recognizable cultural symbol. Though not born in the West, the name’s popularity in the U.S. reflects broader design trends favoring symbolic, globally resonant branding. **Why The Union Jack’s Rise Coincided with Late 20th Century Trends**