The Origins of Kimchi and Soju with Michael D. Shin

Kimchi and soju are staples of daily life in Korea and among the first things that a foreigner will experience of the cuisine. Though they are strongly associated with Korea, the far majority of people know little about their history. This talk discusses the origins of kimchi and soju to show what they reveal about the eating and drinking culture of the Joseon period. This will in turn provide a fuller picture of the life of the peasantry during that time, giving us a better understanding of what is Korean about kimchi and soju. This talk introduces the book Everyday Life in Joseon-Era Korea, which presents aspects of the period from the perspective of the peasantry.

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