To Koreans, garlic is more than just a spice. It's a fundamental part of the cuisine and identity, sometimes called the "source of a Korean's strength." Therefore, this emoji also symbolizes the core of K-food.

In both the East and West, garlic was considered a plant with special powers. In the West, it's a sacred item to ward off vampires, while in Korean mythology, it's the food a bear ate to become human. As such, the garlic emoji can be used not just for food, but also for fun when sharing mystical stories.