Historical Transformations of North Korean Culinary Nationalism

While Juche propaganda presents North Korean gastronomy as the epitome of authenticity and tradition, North Korean culinary ideology and practice have never been static. Through the decades, food culture in North Korea has been subjected to the impact of economic changes and foreign cultural influences, including those from the Soviet Union and China. Today, North Korean cuisine continues to change its forms and absorb new foreign elements, including not only nonauthentic ingredients, but also novel ways in which food is served, presented, and appreciated. The article traces the historical transformation of North Korean culinary nationalism in connection with economic realities, as well as ideological and cultural influences. This article is based on a variety of materials including culinary books, North Korean culinary TV shows, as well as culinary reference in North Korean films and books,