Chonnam National University Center for Historical and Cultural Studies Hosts Gourmet Seminar on "Medieval Monasteries and Beer"

The History and Culture Research Center at Chonnam National University recently held a public lecture on the theme "Medieval Monasteries and Beer" as the first gourmet seminar of the year. Provided by Chonnam National University

The Chonnam National University Center for Historical and Cultural Studies announced on the 7th that it held its first gourmet seminar of the year, featuring a public lecture on the theme of "Medieval Monasteries and Beer."

Recently, at Kim Namju Hall in the College of Humanities Building 1, a public seminar was held by Professor Lee Jungmin of Gyeongsang National University under the title "Beer Filled with the Care of Saints, Becomes the Drink of Monks." This seminar was the first of the year for the "History of Gourmet Life" series, part of the Chonnam National University Center for Historical and Cultural Studies' project "The Five Senses and Food: A Feast for the Mouth, Eyes, Nose, Ears, and Hands."

Professor Lee Jungmin introduced a variety of topics, including the origins and names of beer, miracle stories related to saints and beer, hops and gruit, and the Beer Purity Law. He emphasized that beer became established in medieval monasteries as a practice of self-sufficiency and communal living. He also explained that, rather than being a beverage controlled and monopolized by a particular class, beer was closely linked to the ethical practices, daily life, and sensory experiences of religious communities across the diverse geographical and climatic conditions of medieval Europe.

Furthermore, the seminar featured lively discussions on power structures through beverages, the hierarchy of brewers' gender, and the ranking of flavors, demonstrating the interdisciplinary potential of the topic. The seminar was praised as a fresh and challenging attempt to explore power and structure through senses and everyday life, clearly reflecting the goals of the project group.

A representative from the Chonnam National University Center for Historical and Cultural Studies stated, "We plan to continue holding the 'History of Gourmet Life' seminar series every month, providing an open platform for diverse research into food culture."