Dae Jang Geum's "Tastes Like Persimmon" Line
Original Korean title
대장금 홍시맛 명대사
This is a famous line from the 2003 drama Dae Jang Geum, spoken by the young heroine Jang-geum.
Originated around 2003Last updated: August 4, 2026
What does it mean?
In episode 5 of MBC's 2003 drama Dae Jang Geum, young Jang-geum is asked by a court lady what ingredient gave a dish its flavor and answers, "It just tasted like persimmon, so I thought it was persimmon..." -- a line that became an iconic quote from a drama that drew ratings above 50%.
Where did it start?
From episode 5 of MBC's drama Dae Jang Geum, aired September 29, 2003. In the scene, young Jang-geum correctly identifies the exact taste of a dish for the head court lady, Lady Jeong. When Lady Jeong asks, "How did you know it was persimmon?", Jang-geum answers, "It just tasted like persimmon, so I thought it was persimmon..." and Lady Jeong marvels, "You truly were born with a gifted palate." A signature scene from a drama that hit ratings above 50%, the line became a fixed reference for teasing someone's illogical, circular explanation.
How is it used?
Quoted jokingly when someone gives an illogical explanation.
Ratings by context haven't been confirmed yet.