{
  "id": 18454228,
  "title": "What you need to know about 2 Joseon-era cookbooks that won UNESCO recognition",
  "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/11/06/what-you-need-to-know-about-2-joseon-era-cookbooks-that-won-unesco-18454228",
  "topic": "world",
  "section": "World",
  "published": "2026-11-06T06:37:03.000Z",
  "source": {
    "name": "The Korea Times",
    "slug": "the-korea-times",
    "url": "https://www.koreatimes.co.kr/lifestyle/travel-food/20261106/what-you-need-to-know-about-2-joseon-era-cookbooks-that-won-unesco-recognition"
  },
  "original_language": "en",
  "account": "Two Joseon-era cookbooks, Suunjapbang and Eumsikdimibang, have recently been honored with UNESCO recognition for their historical and cultural value. These manuscripts, dating back to the 16th and 17th centuries respectively, provide valuable insights into the culinary traditions of aristocratic households in Andong, North Gyeongsang Province.\n\nSuunjapbang, meaning various ways to entertain refined gentlemen, was originally penned by Confucian scholar Kim Yu in the 16th century. His grandson, Ryeong, later added to the collection in the 17th century. The cookbook contains a wealth of recipes documenting the food culture of the time, reflecting the tastes and preferences of the elite.\n\nEumsikdimibang, which translates to correct ways to appreciate food taste, was compiled around 1670 by Lady Jang, the wife of local scholar Lee Si-myeong. The book features 146 recipes, covering a range of dishes and methods for making alcoholic beverages. Its purpose was to guide readers in appreciating the nuances of flavors and textures.\n\nThe joint inscription of these two cookbooks on UNESCO's Memory of the World Asia-Pacific Regional Register is a testament to their significance. With Korea now boasting eight entries on the regional register, the honor underscores the country's rich culinary heritage. Both Suunjapbang and Eumsikdimibang share a common connection - they both document the culinary traditions of Andong, offering a window into the past for those interested in Korean history and culture.",
  "summary": "Among the many surviving books from the Joseon Dynasty (1392-1910), \"Suunjapbang\" and \"Eumsikdimibang\" stand out as valuable records of the country's culinary heritage. Meaning various ways to entertain refined gentlemen, \"Suunjapbang\" is a collection of recipes documenting the food culture of aristocratic households in Andong, North Gyeongsang Province. First written by Confucian scholar Kim Yu…",
  "key_points": [],
  "editors_take": null,
  "illustration": null,
  "coverage": {
    "outlets": 2,
    "also_reported_by": [
      {
        "outlet": "KBS World Radio",
        "title": "N. Korea Set to Gain UNESCO Recognition for Taekwondo ahead of S. Korea",
        "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/11/05/n-korea-set-to-gain-unesco-recognition-for-taekwondo-ahead-of-s-korea",
        "published": "2026-11-05T05:07:02.000Z"
      }
    ]
  },
  "ai_generated": true,
  "disclaimer": "Summaries, key points and the editor’s take are written by software from other outlets’ reporting and may contain errors — always check the linked original."
}