Ulsan Museum to explore history of Korean food culture

A humanities lecture series tracing Korean food culture — from prehistoric times through Joseon-era dining tables, Ulsan's regional cuisine and modern flavors — will run every Tuesday at 2 p.m. at Ulsan Museum from Sept. 8 through Nov. 3.

Titled "Have You Eaten?: Exploring the History of Korean Food Culture," the series is part of the Ulsan Museum University program and will span eight sessions examining Korean life and culture through the lens of food.

The September lineup features Jung Hye-kyung, emeritus professor at Hoseo University, on "The History of Korean Food Culture" on Sept. 8; Oh Seung-hwan, chairman of the Guardian Cultural Heritage Research Institute, on "Food Culture from Prehistoric to Ancient Times as Seen Through Spoons and Chopsticks" on Sept. 15; Kim Pung-gi, professor at Gangwon University, on "Mid-Joseon Food Culture and Heo Gyun's Domundaejak" on Sept. 22; and Lee Ju-hyun, a special food contributor, on "The Food Culture of the Joseon Royal Court: Between Science and Art" on Sept. 29.

In October, Jung Hye-kyung returns on Oct. 13 with "Food Culture of the Joseon Period," followed by Park Un-seok, director of the Korea Fermented Liquor Education and Research Institute, on "Humanities Brewed Through Traditional Liquor" on Oct. 20, and Kim Seon-ju, a lecturer at the University of Ulsan, on "The Food Culture of Ulsan" on Oct. 27. The series concludes Nov. 3 with writer Jeong Myeong-seop presenting "The Taste of Koreans."

The lectures are open to all residents. Registration runs from Wednesday through Sept. 1 via Ulsan Moa, the city's integrated reservation system, or in person at the first-floor lobby of Ulsan Museum. Enrollment is limited to 200 participants on a first-come, first-served basis.