Barley Press

Apmaekki, or barley press, is a tool used for pressing barley flat, with a rectangular feed hopper on top and a handle at the side. Since barley becomes tender when pressed, it was first processed by a barley press after harvest, rather than being consumed raw. The legs were affixed to a wood board, and the inscription "대동압맥기," meaning barley press manufactured by Daedong, was cast in Korean on the front and back sides. A wooden box was placed under the machine to collect the pressed barley.