Mr. Palais theorizes in his important book on Korea that the remarkable longevity of the Yi dynasty (1392-1910) was related to the difficulties the country experienced in adapting to the modern world. He suggests that the aristocratic and hierarchical social system, which was the source of stability of the dynasty, was also the cause of its weakness. The period from 1864 to 1873 was one in which the monarchy attempted to increase and expand central power at the expense of the powerful aristocracy. But the effort failed, and 1874 saw a rebirth of bureaucratic and aristocratic dominance. What this meant when Korea was opened two years later to the outside world was that the country was poorly suited to the attainment of modern national objectives--the aggrandizement of state wealth and power--in competition with other nations. Thus any sense of national purpose was subverted, and the leadership could not generate the unified support needed for either modernization or domestic harmory. The consequences for the twentieth-century world have been portenous.
An Epicurious Spring 2020 "Book We Want to Cook from Now" • An Eater Best Cookbook of Spring 2020 • A Food52 "Best New Cookbook of 2020…So Far" • A New York Times "New Cookbook Worth Buying" A Michelin-starred chef known for defining Korean food in America brings a powerful culinary legacy into your kitchen. Simple rice cakes drenched in a spicy sauce. Bulgogi sliders. A scallion pancake (pajeon) the New York Times calls “the essential taste of Korean cuisine.” For years Hooni Kim’s food has earned him raves, including a Michelin Star—the first ever awarded to a Korean restaurant—for Danji. His background in world-class French and Japanese kitchens seamlessly combines with his knowledge of the techniques of traditional Korean cuisine to create uniquely flavorful dishes. My Korea, his long-awaited debut cookbook, introduces home cooks to the Korean culinary trinity: doenjang, ganjang, and gochujang (fermented soybean paste, soy sauce, and fermented red chili paste). These key ingredients add a savory depth and flavor to the 90 recipes that follow, from banchan to robust stews. His kimchis call upon the best ingredients and balance a meal with a salty, sour, and spicy kick. Elevated classics include one-bowl meals like Dolsot Bibimbap (Sizzling-Hot Stone Bowl Bibimbap), Haemul Sundubu Jjigae (Spicy Soft Tofu Stew with Seafood), and Mul Naengmyeon (Buckwheat Noodles in Chilled Broth). Dishes meant for sharing pair well with soju or makgeolli, an unfiltered rice beer, and include Budae Jjigae (Spicy DMZ Stew) and Fried Chicken Wings. Complete with thoughtful notes on techniques and sourcing and gorgeous photography from across Korea, this cookbook will be an essential resource for home cooks, a celebration of the deliciousness of Korean food by a master chef.
Record of the Seasonal Customs of Korea (Tongguk sesigi) is one of the most important primary sources for anyone interested in traditional Korean cultural and social practices. The manuscript was completed in 1849 by Toae Hong Sŏk-mo, a wealthy poet and scholar from an influential family. Toae, with his keen interest in the habits and customs of both courtiers and commoners, compiled in almanac form (he divided his book into chronological sections by lunar and intercalary months) a comprehensive record of seasonal palace events, rituals, entertainment, and food and drink consumed on high days and holidays, as well as information on farm work and traditions. Nineteenth-century Korean intellectuals possessed a deep understanding of Chinese history and culture together with a growing awareness of the distinctiveness of Korea’s past and traditions. Toae’s work reflects this in the many comparisons he makes between the habits and customs of the two countries, quoting literary and philosophical sources to note similarities and contrasts. Knowledge of the seasonal traditions he describes was largely forgotten over the generations as Korea rapidly modernized, but in recent years much effort has been made to recover this wisdom: Tongguk sesigi is now widely read and referenced as a popular source for details on traditional food, customs, and entertainment. While an ever-increasing number of books introducing Korean culture written by non-Koreans or Koreans researching their roots is now available, Record of the Seasonal Customs of Korea contains information “from the source” that also reveals the mindset and penchants of a premodern Korean intellectual. Readers will thus be confronted with many concepts, names, and ideas not readily understandable so extensive notes are provided in this translation. Those studying other Asian cultures with some Chinese influence will also find valuable insights here for cross-cultural comparison and research.
"James B. Palais theorizes in his important book on Korea that the remarkable longevity of the Yi dynasty (1392–1910) was related to the difficulties the country experienced in adapting to the modern world. He suggests that the aristocratic and hierarchical social system, which was the source of stability of the dynasty, was also the cause of its weakness. The period from 1864 to 1873 was one in which the monarchy attempted to increase and expand central power at the expense of the powerful aristocracy. But the effort failed, and 1874 saw a rebirth of bureaucratic and aristocratic dominance. What this meant when Korea was "opened" two years later to the outside world was that the country was poorly suited to the attainment of modern national objectives—the aggrandizement of state wealth and power—in competition with other nations. Thus any sense of national purpose was subverted, and the leadership could not generate the unified support needed for either modernization or domestic harmony. The consequences for the twentieth-century world have been portentous."
This book provides a comprehensive overview of the historical background, genres, and performers of the traditional performing arts of Korea, such as puppet plays, mask dramas, and Pansori, a uniquely Korean form of narrative song, which originated from the singing and dancing traditions of the ancient Korean people. It offers a detailed introduction to a variety of Korea's traditional performing arts. The book also provides references on related research sources in Korean, Japanese, and Chinese, about Korea's traditional performing arts, for those with an interest in conducting in-depth research, along with featuring some 70 photographs to highlight the noteworthy characteristics of Korean performing arts.
Han Style,Hangeul,hansik,hanbok,hanok,hanji,hanguk eumak The Han Style represents the traditional culture of Korea. It embodies all things uniquely Korean - Hangeul (Korean alphabet), hansik (Korean traditional foods), hanbok (Korean traditional clothes), hanok (Korean traditional house), hanji (Koran traditional paper) and hanguk eumak (Korean traditional music). These are the values pursued by the Han Style : culture that breathes class and life into our daily life in harmony with nature. In Asia, the 80's were a time for “ Hong Kong noir”, whereas the 90's were more an age of Japanese animation. As we continue into the 2000s, Korean music and dramas continue to hit all the right notes. Interest in Korea, triggered by the success of leading Korean dramas and popular music, has escalated to include a host of other aspects of Korean culture, such as hangeul (Korean alphabet), hansik (Korean food), hanbok (traditional Korean clothing), hanok (traditional Korean houses), hanji (traditional Korean paper), as well as Korean music. In Korea , the aforementioned six cultural symbols are collectively referred to as “Han Style”. Similar in nature to Japan , as represented by the kimono (traditional dress), sushi (rice rolls), and samurai (warriors in Japanese history), the image of Korea is based on its own unique traditions including hanbok, kimchi, hangeul, hanji, hanok, and Korean music. Hangeul: The Korean alphabet, a very scientific writing system that has been designated by UNESCO as an important part of the Memory of the World Heritage. As a result of the Korean Wave and Korea 's economic prosperity, the desire to learn hangeul and the Korean language is exploding. Hansik: Korean food continues to gain popularity throughout the world for its incredible health benefits. Hanbok: The focus of attention when Daejanggeum (Jewel in the Palace), a TV drama on royal court cuisine, became popular in Asia. Modifications of the exquisite colors and designs of the hanbok are also used as motifs in all Korean-style designs. Hanok: Many international visitors are showing interest in the traditional Korean home, hanok as they want to experience ondol, the Korean floor heating system very effective in the cold winter. Ondol is an important aspect of Korea' s unique architectural style, and brought floor heating into vogue globally. Hanji: A traditional form of paper that can last for over one thousand years and is known for its outstanding quality and elegant designs. The paper is drawing attention not only for record-keeping purposes but also for interior decoration and for it’s uses in paper wrapping. Hanguk Eumak: Traditional Korean music that has slow-rhythm and sentimental lyrics that epitomize the sad history of Korea. Such unique Korean sentiments had significant influence on Korean popular music and drama and are an important driver of the Korean Wave. By combining ‘Han’, a word embracing the comprehensive traditional culture of korea and ‘Style’ meaning manners or rules, HanStyle means korean style, combined with emotional aspects that can be found in Korea's overall culture.
This is the first book in English about an Asian composer who writes primarily for traditional instruments. Following a thematic approach, Killick draws on 25 years of personal acquaintance and study with Hwang Byungki, as well as experience in playing his music, to analyse the works and celebrate the career of this influential Korean composer, performer, and scholar. Using Hwang Byungki as a focal point, this book also explores how new music for traditional instruments can provide a means of negotiating between a local identity and the modern world order.
