A FOOD TRADITION

Kaesong cuisine

Kaesong cuisine is the refined regional tradition of Kaesong, the historic capital of Goryeo and a major cultural center near the present inter-Korean border. It is associated with carefully arranged table settings, numerous small side dishes, balanced seasoning, and elaborate preparation influenced by elite and ceremonial foodways. Common ingredients include beef, chicken, mushrooms, jujube, chestnuts, tofu, vegetables, and rice, alongside locally made sauces and fermented foods. Representative dishes include bossam kimchi, often prepared with abundant fillings; pyeonsu, square steamed dumplings; and yakgwa, a fried honey pastry. Kaesong cooking is historically shared with neighboring Korean traditions and should not be treated as an exclusive national invention.

Catalogue preview Cuisine connections may be unreviewed. Regional comparisons include their food references and do not establish the ingredients of a particular meal.