Emergence and Acceptance of “Bamboo Salt (Jukyeom)”: Sociocultural Changes and Formation of the Health Supplement Market in South Korea in the 1980~90s

This study traces the historical process by which bamboo salt (jukyeom) gained rapid recognition and acceptance among the Korean public, examining the underlying social, economic, and cultural changes. The late 1980s and early 1990s saw the growth of the middle class and partial democratization in Korea, which heightened awareness of environmental issues and health promotion. This interest, coupled with a nationalistic reflection on the neglect of traditional culture during the rapid modernization, led to increased focus on folk remedies like bamboo salt. The origins and manufacturing methods of bamboo salt illustrate the merger of folk remedies with contemporary health food practices, highlighting a shift in South Korean’s attitudes toward health and tradition. The rapid rise in popularity of bamboo salt was driven by social changes, legislative adjustments, and commercial opportunities. Despite ongoing controversies regarding its efficacy and safety, products like “LG Bamboo Salt Toothpaste” have significantly contributed to its successful reception in the South Korean market. In conclusion, the acceptance and proliferation of bamboo salt exemplify how cultural and social transformations in Korean society can lead to the intersection and integration of tradition and modernity, health, and commerce. This study reveals bamboo salt’s permeation into the Koreans’ daily life, offering important insights for future research on the history of everyday life.