Snacks Fit for Royalty: Court Delicacies of the Joseon Dynasty

Yoon discusses the court cuisine of the Joseon Dynasty which was officially recognized as National Intangible Cultural Heritage in 1971. Designed to please the refined palates of royalty, it was prepared with utmost care using only the freshest seasonal ingredients. During the Joseon Dynasty, Samjinnal, the third day of the third lunar month, was a festive occasion celebrating the arrival of spring. Usually confined to their homes, women were given rare permission to go out on that day. Venturing outdoors to a scenic spot, they would make bwajeon, pan-fried rice cakes adorned with purple azalea petals. The royal family also celebrated this special day with a ceremony called bwajeon nori, in which the queen went out into the palace gardens with her servants to handpick the azaleas that would be used to make the tasty treat.