The Yeongyang-gun Multicultural Family Support Center recently concluded its "Gunja Education with Jang Gye-hyang" program, an enriching initiative designed for multicultural families. Held over two sessions on June 19th and June 27th, the program welcomed 30 participants to the Seokbo Dudeul Village Jang Gye-hyang Cultural Experience Education Center.
This educational endeavor aimed to foster a deeper understanding of local culture and instill pride in the region's rich heritage. It focused on the life wisdom of Jang Gye-hyang (1598-1680), a distinguished noblewoman of the Joseon Dynasty. Known as a poet, artist, calligrapher, philanthropist, and devoted mother, Jang Gye-hyang is celebrated as a "female gunja," embodying virtuous and noble principles. Her life, marked by significant humanitarian efforts, particularly in aiding impoverished villagers during tumultuous times, continues to inspire.
The program featured lectures by Instructor Lee Sang-guk, Research Committee Chairman of the Jang Gye-hyang Research Society, who delved into Jang Gye-hyang's life journey and her enduring aspirations that serve as a guiding compass for life. A highlight of the program was the "Eumsik Dimibang" traditional liquor experience. "Eumsik Dimibang," meaning "Recipes for tasty food" or "Understanding the Taste of Food," is a historically significant cookbook authored by Jang Gye-hyang around 1670. It is notable as the first Korean cookbook penned by a woman and the first written in Hangul, the Korean alphabet. This invaluable manuscript contains 146 recipes, with a considerable portion dedicated to alcoholic beverages, and offers profound insights into 17th-century Joseon noble culinary practices and food preservation techniques.
Participants also enjoyed a tour of the history and culture exhibition hall and a 'sobubang' (small table for a meal) experience. Ms. Yoo, a 58-year-old participant from Japan, expressed her profound appreciation, stating, "It was a meaningful time where I could directly experience the life and spirit of Ms. Jang Gye-hyang, a female gunja who wrote 'Eumsik Dimibang.' The 'Buuiju' brewing experience was particularly enjoyable, offering a deep understanding of traditional Korean liquor." Buuiju refers to a type of traditional Korean alcoholic beverage, emphasizing the diverse and intricate liquor-making traditions documented in historical texts like "Umsik Dimibang."
Oh Do-chang, Governor of Yeongyang-gun, conveyed his hopes for the program's long-term impact. "I trust this education provides an invaluable opportunity for married immigrant women residing in Yeongyang to embrace the life and wisdom of the female gunja Jang Gye-hyang and to appreciate the excellence of our food and culinary traditions through the 'Eumsik Dimibang' traditional liquor making experience," he affirmed. The program underscores Yeongyang-gun's commitment to preserving and sharing its unique cultural assets, particularly those linked to Jang Gye-hyang and the historical culinary heritage she so meticulously documented.
Further information about Jang Gye-hyang and "Eumsik Dimibang" can be found on platforms dedicated to Korean cultural heritage.
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