The second article....

Why are Korean chopsticks made of metal??

Korean chopsticks are typically made of stainless steel and taper to a square blunt end. Many of them have ornate decorations at the untapered end. There seems to be no consensus as to why Koreans use metal versions. One popular theory claims that when Koreans was occupied by Japan in the early 20th century, the Japanese would sometimes poison the locals by applying a toxin to the ends of wooden chopsticks. As a result, the Koreans switched to metal chopsticks so they could be cleaned before and after each use. Another theory, also linked to Korean’s past with foreign invaders, explains that villagers fleeing the invaders needed to pack quickly, hence metal chopsticks would be more durable during these chaotic times.

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