In a Korean household, the quality of a meal is rarely judged by the complexity of the side dishes, but by the steam rising from the rice bowl. There is a quiet, persistent obsession with the texture, scent, and gloss of the grain—a standard that defines the rhythm of our daily lives.
At Kim’C Market, we share this obsession. It is what drove us to become the first to bring the legendary Samkwang variety to the United States. We didn’t choose Samkwang simply because it is famous; we chose it because it represents a specific kind of perfection in Korean agriculture. It is a grain that doesn’t demand attention with flashy flavors, but instead earns it through a steady quality that stays consistent from the paddy—and, crucially, preserved by Kim’C Market’s mill-to-order process—to your table.
The Birth of a Masterpiece: Three Shining Moments
Samkwang is not a variety that happened by chance. It is a premium grain bred with the specific goal of creating a high-quality, stable, and high-yielding variety. Developed in 1989 by the National Institute of Crop Science, it was created by cross-breeding 'Suwon 361,' known for its excellent yield, with 'Milyang 101,' which boasts a superior plant shape and strong resistance to disease.
Officially protected as a variety in 2004, it was selected as the very first "Top-Quality Rice" under the strict standards of the Rural Development Administration. Its name, Samkwang, translates to "Three Radiances," representing the three moments the rice truly shines: when it is growing in the field, when it is freshly milled, and finally, when it is cooked and served on your table. It has since become the absolute gold standard in Korea.
Terroir and the Art of Patience
The character of Samkwang is deeply defined by the unique geography and climate of Korea’s central and southern intermediate regions. It thrives in areas where the air is crisp and the environmental conditions demand a farmer’s utmost attention. Gyeongju, in particular, offers an ideal cradle for this grain, where significant temperature fluctuations between day and night enhance the rice’s sweetness and aroma.
Similarly, the coastal region of Ganghwa provides a distinct terroir. Here, Samkwang is often cultivated using organic methods, nourished by mineral-rich sea breezes and fertile soil. Because Samkwang is a delicate variety that is challenging to cultivate, farmers who choose Samkwang are often the most dedicated craftsmen. They intentionally limit the use of nitrogen fertilizers and favor eco-friendly practices to preserve the grain’s purity and integrity.
The Texture of Velvet and Silk: A Scientific Perfection
When Korean connoisseurs talk about the perfect rice, they are looking for very specific technical markers. Within the Korean short-grain tradition, many connoisseurs prefer amylose below 20% and protein under 7%. Samkwang hits these marks with surgical precision, boasting an amylose content of 18.3% and a protein content of only 5.7%.
What does this mean for your palate? It translates to a texture that is exceptionally silky yet possesses a refined "Chalgki" (stickiness). With a high "Whole Grain Rate" of 94.5%, each grain remains intact and glistening. In simple terms, Samkwang stays tender, glossy, and gently sweet even after cooling—unlike many rices that can become dry or chalky.
The Kim’C Market Difference: Milling as an Essential Ritual
The most significant secret to the taste of Samkwang lies in the timing of the milling. Milled rice is a living, breathing ingredient. Once the outer husk is removed, the rice begins to oxidize. The bran layer contains natural fats and enzymes that, once exposed to air, can lead to a loss of aroma and a hardening of the starch.
Unlike most U.S. suppliers, Kim’C Market chooses to mill every order on demand, even when it is slower and more labor-intensive. Furthermore, we offer five distinct levels of milling, allowing you to customize your experience. You can choose Hyeonmi (Brown Rice) for a rustic, nutty flavor, or go for a partial milling like 50% or 70% to find your perfect balance.
Preserving the Radiance through Proper Storage
Since Kim’C Market rice is freshly milled and contains no preservatives, it should be treated more like fresh produce than a long-term pantry staple. To maintain that signature moisture and delicate aroma, it is essential to store the rice in a cool, dark place away from direct sunlight.
For the best results, we recommend keeping the rice in an airtight container inside the refrigerator. Because the freshness begins to decline once the milling process is complete, we suggest consuming your rice within a month to enjoy the full "Three Radiances" experience at its absolute peak.
→ Shop: Discover the Radiance of Gyeongju Samkwang
→ Shop: Discover the Radiance of Organic Ganghwa Samkwang
Good rice doesn't require much to be enjoyed. Often, a single warm bowl is enough to ground a busy day and bring a sense of calm to the table. We invite you to experience Samkwang—to notice the clarity of the grains and the subtle, clean sweetness that comes from decades of agricultural dedication. At Kim’C Market, we are proud to bring this small but significant piece of Korean food culture to your home. We hope it makes your everyday meals feel a little more whole.
FAQ
What should I look for when I first open a bag of Samkwang?
Notice the clarity. High-quality Samkwang is exceptionally translucent, almost like glass. This transparency is a visual promise of its scientific balance—low protein and optimal amylose. If you see grains that look chalky or opaque, this often reflects heat stress during harvest or poor storage conditions afterward.
Is Samkwang considered a "sweet" rice?
While it is not a glutinous "sweet rice" used for desserts, Samkwang possesses a sophisticated, natural sweetness. This comes from the complex starches that break down into sugars as you chew. Because we mill it fresh, these natural sugars are still intact, providing a clean finish that doesn't leave a heavy, starchy coating on the palate.
Can I use Samkwang for creamy dishes like risotto or porridge?
Samkwang is incredibly versatile. It can create a more velvety and cohesive texture than Arborio in some preparations, though it will naturally be stickier. It makes an exceptionally luxurious Juk (Korean porridge). It is the secret weapon for chefs who want a refined, elegant texture that tends to melt away more gently rather than holding a distinctly "al dente" bite.
Why does Kim’C Market offer different milling percentages for Samkwang?
We believe rice is a personal preference. Some days you might want the rustic, earthy nutrients of Hyeonmi (Brown Rice), and other days you want the pure, pearlescent luxury of White Rice. By offering 50% or 70% milling, we allow you to keep some of the healthy bran while enjoying a texture that is much softer and easier to digest than traditional brown rice.
Explore the Rice Guide Series
Vol. 1: Saechungmu: The Chef’s Secret for Perfect Texture
Vol. 2: Samkwang: The Radiant Presence of a Masterpiece