Ambassadors' spouses explore Joseon's royal dining experience

Spouses of foreign ambassadors to Korea attend the "Joseon's Royal Cuisine: A Table for Food, Reverence and Sharing" exhibition at the National Palace Museum of Korea in Jongno District, Seoul, Tuesday. Courtesy of the National Palace Museum of Korea Exhibition delves into traditional cuisine enjoyed by Korean kings By Pyo Kyung-min What did the kings and queens of the 1392-1910 Joseon Kingdom dine on? On Tuesday, 20 spouses of foreign ambassadors to Korea were among the first to experience a new exhibition at the National Palace Museum of Korea, located within central Seoul's Gyeongbok Palace, offering answers to this historical curiosity. Titled "Joseon's Royal Cuisine: A Table for Food, Reverence and Sharing," the exhibit offers insights into the culinary traditions of Joseon's royal court.

The diplomatic spouses toured through more than 200 artifacts including historical records, paintings, utensils and cooking tools from the Joseon era. Spouses of foreign ambassadors to Korea attend the "Joseon's Royal Cuisine: A Table for Food, Reverence and Sharing" exhibition at the National Palace Museum of Korea in Jongno District, Seoul, Tuesday. Yonhap The ambassadors' spouses were guided through two sections consisting of the exhibit, with the first highlighting the work of royal chefs, traditionally known as "suksu.



" Displays include illustrations of these chefs preparing meals, signs from palace kitchens and descriptions of the process by which local specialties were inspected, prepared and served to the king. The second section features a reproduction of a royal feast, showcasing a total of 63 dishes served during traditional celebrations. Visitors can also engage with interactive displays, including a touchscreen that allows them to virtually prepare royal dishes.

In particular, one exhibit uses dials and digital displays to allow visitors to access royal recipes by inserting barcoded postcards. Another feature is a touchscreen survey that matches participants' food preferences to a Joseon king. Members of the Ambassadors' Spouses Association in Seoul (ASAS) pose during a tour of Gyeongbok Palace in Seoul, Tuesday.

Courtesy of the National Palace Museum of Korea Natalia Federighi, president of the Ambassadors' Spouses Association in Seoul (ASAS) and spouse of the Dominican Republic ambassador, commended the exhibition for its clarity and accessibility after Tuesday's visit. "I think the presentation was very well done, clearly explained and accessible to anyone," Federighi said. "It not only helped us understand the value of this historical knowledge but also allowed us to experience it firsthand.

" She added that she planned to return with her family and friends. Following the exhibit, the spouses also toured Gyeongbok Palace, including the janggo, a traditional pantry for "jang" — fermented pastes that are staples of Korean cuisine — which is typically closed to the public. Spouses of foreign ambassadors to Korea sample royal refreshments prepared by chef Han Bok-ryeo, bottom left, after their tour of the National Palace Museum of Korea and Gyeongbok Palace in Seoul, Tuesday.

Courtesy of the National Palace Museum of Korea The event concluded at Heungbok Hall within the palace, where the group sampled royal refreshments prepared by Han Bok-ryeo, a chef specializing in royal cuisine. The tasting featured hangwa (Korean confections), yakgwa (honey cookies), tteok (rice cakes) and baesuk (a warm drink made from honey, spices and simmered pears, often enjoyed in winter). Federighi said she found the baesuk especially memorable, describing the visit as a deeply meaningful experience.

"This experience has been particularly meaningful for us as members of the ASAS," she said. "Learning about Korea's rich heritage is essential because we are hosted here and it's our responsibility to understand and share this knowledge. By doing so, we can convey these cultural insights to our delegations and nationals.

Since we often host important individuals from our home countries, it's vital that ambassador spouses are well-versed in Korean culture and can share it effectively." The exhibition runs until Feb. 2, 2025.

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