Dotori-muk’s origins are in the mountain forests of ancient Korea, where oak trees produce plentiful acorns that are harvested each fall for food. Dotori-muk is a dish that maintains its freshness for extended lengths of time, so it was often enjoyed by travelers who were journeying for long distances. It is also a dish fit for a king, as it was served to King Seonjo during the times of the Joseon Dynasty when he took refuge in a remote northern village from the Japanese invasions in Korea. The villagers he met served the king and his entourage dotori-muk, and the King often ate dotori-muk to commemorate the war after returning to the palace.