Gyeongbokgung Palace to Host Special Event on Korea’s Traditional Fermented Sauces

▲ This file photo shows Gyeongbokgung Janggo, or Korea's traditional storage space for jang (paste) crocks, ingredients, and fermentation tools. (Yonhap)

SEOUL, March 27 (Yonhap) -- The Cultural Heritage Administration (KHS) and the Korea Heritage Agency (KHA) announced Wednesday that a special cultural event, highlighting Korea’s traditional fermented sauce culture.

The event, titled “Korea’s Jang-Making Tradition,” will be held at Gyeongbokgung Palace on April 4 at 1 p.m.

The event is designed to promote awareness of Korea’s jang culture, which was inscribed on UNESCO’s Intangible Cultural Heritage list last year.

As part of the event, the royal Jang storage (Janggo) will be specially opened to the public, allowing visitors to view traditional jang crocks, ingredients, and fermentation tools. In addition, guided tours at 3 p.m. and 4 p.m. will provide historical insights into the significance of fermented sauces in the Joseon Dynasty.

▲ A participant experiences making traditional fermented sauce during the "Jeongwol Jang Making" event with master artisan Ki Soon-do, held on Feb. 18, 2025, at Ki Soon-do Janggo in Damyang County, Jeollanam-do, to commemorate the UNESCO Intangible Cultural Heritage listing of "Korea’s Traditional Jang Making." (Yonhap)

At the Saenggwabang, the palace’s royal dessert kitchen, visitors will have the opportunity to taste various traditional jang varieties made by renowned Korean fermentation experts. The showcased items include Jinjang (traditional soy sauce), Eoyukjang (fermented fish sauce), Donggukjang (fermented wheat sauce), Daemakjang (fermented barley sauce), and other regional specialties.

Participation in the event is limited to 60 individuals for historical tours and 100 individuals for jang-making experiences. Reservations can be made via Naver Booking from March 28 at 2 p.m. until April 3.

Jang has long been a fundamental element of Korean cuisine, with its diverse fermentation processes reflecting the country’s rich culinary heritage. Organizers hope the event will provide visitors with an in-depth understanding of the cultural and historical significance of traditional Korean sauces.