Korea House enters new era
Korea Herald
The Korea House - where visitors have gathered for years to enjoy traditional food, weddings and performances - has undergone a dramatic transformation.
Revamping everything from the food to the buildings to the programs, the historic landmark has gone upscale.
A new “Daejanggeum Jeongsik,” a palatial meal inspired by the hit MBC series “Jewel in the Palace” has been introduced to the menu. A sleek and modern new building, Chwiseongwan, has been built where a smaller building called Chwiseonru once stood; and the theater has been remodeled.
“(The Korea House) is not yet widely known amongst foreigners,” said the newly-appointed CEO of the Korea House, Kim Maeng-ryung, at a press conference last week.
The landmark’s CEO, also a former Korean Air executive director, aptly captured his vision for the updated cultural space at the press conference, calling it a “Korea House within the world.”
In an effort to promote the globalization of Korean cuisine, the help of the Institute of Korean Royal Cuisine president Han Bok-ryeo was enlisted. Designated an important intangible cultural asset, Han served as a food consultant for the drama “Jewel in the Palace” a.k.a. “Daejanggeum,” making her an ideal candidate for the development of the Korea House’s new “Daejanggeum Jeongsik.”
As a consultant for the Korea House, Han worked with food stylists and the Korea House’s chefs to create an elaborate and healthy meal.
“Instead of chasing after fusion cuisine, I think we need to create dishes that stem from the past,” said the royal food expert at the press conference.
Drawing from the principles of yin and yang and the five elements (fire, water, earth, wood and metal), a total of 12 dishes, in addition to bibimbap and dessert, form the extravagant 250,000 won ($203) meal.
Ranging from the more familiar gujeolpan (an assortment of eight ingredients rolled into thin crepes) to novel dishes like king prawns with pine nut sauce, the extensive course is carefully orchestrated to boost one’s health.
According to a press release from the Korea House, the five seeds porridge and water kimchi served near the beginning of the meal protects the stomach from the side-effects of liquor while the king prawn and pine nut sauce dish increases one’s stamina and strengthens one’s kidney functions.
For those who would like to learn how to whip up traditional Korean dishes, there is a new program where visitors can learn how to make kimchi, bulgogi and wear hanbok. The program will cost 55,000 won ($45) per person and is slated to be held in the new Chwiseongwan.
Visitors will also be able to enjoy new performances in the remodeled theater. At the press conference, reporters were treated to a preview. A troupe of female dancers bedecked in elegant hanbok and headdresses graced the stage, followed by an impressive drum act.
“(The programs) are centered on upscale performances,” said the newly-appointed Korea House director of the traditional arts performance team, Kook Soo-ho. Kook added that he worked on developing hour-long programs that “could only be seen here.”
For more information visit www.koreahouse.or.kr or call (02) 2266-9101 to -9103. The Korea House is located near Exit 3, Chungmuro Station, Subway Line No. 4.
(oh_jean@heraldm.com)
By Jean Oh
2009.09.09