Gyeongbokgung Janggo Opened for the First Time This Year

'Joseon Royal Court Cuisine' Han Bokryeo Holder Demonstrates Royal Sauce Making

The Cultural Heritage Administration's Palace and Royal Tombs Headquarters announced on the 8th that Gyeongbokgung Janggo will be opened for the first time this year. From the 15th to the 19th, for five days, royal jang food (Sunjong's special banquet) and materials related to dietary history will be introduced. The royal jang food demonstration will be conducted by Han Bok-ryeo, the holder of National Intangible Cultural Property No. 38, 'Joseon Dynasty Royal Court Cuisine,' and certified practitioners. The event is limited to those who have made advance online reservations, with fifteen participants per session. Participation is free (Gyeongbokgung admission fee is separate).

Janggo is a place where jang (fermented sauces) used in royal banquets, rituals, and surasang (royal meals) were stored. The Jangkkoma-ma-ma (醬庫??·a senior kitchen court lady who built a house next to the jangdokdae and guarded the soy sauce in the palace) managed it directly. The current Janggo was restored in 2005 by collecting jangdoks (fermentation crocks) from across the country.