Gyeonggi-do rice cake shop faces hygiene controversy over parking lot cooling

A rice cake shop in Gyeonggi Province has sparked significant controversy on social media after photos surfaced showing freshly made Garae-tteok (long rice cakes) being cooled in an outdoor parking lot.

Images shared on platforms like Threads show multiple plastic trays filled with white rice cakes placed on the ground and resting on parking bumpers in an area with frequent vehicle traffic. Concerns have been raised by netizens regarding food hygiene, specifically that the rice cakes may be exposed to vehicle exhaust, dust, and smoke from nearby pedestrians.

The original poster, a frequent customer of the shop, expressed shock and disgust, noting that the shop is often busy with long lines during holiday seasons. Online commenters have criticized the practice, suggesting the shop should cool products indoors or in a kitchen to avoid contamination.