Food In Koryo Museum

Koryo Museum, Kaesong, North Korea: A Reflection on Gastronomy

The Koryo Museum, located in the ancient city of Kaesong, offers an intriguing glimpse into the history and culture of the Koryo Dynasty, which ruled from 918 to 1392. This period is known for its refinement in various art forms, including gastronomy. The museum, which is housed in the old Songgyungwan, a Confucian academy, exhibits artifacts that shed light on the dietary customs of the time. Traditional food plays an important role in understanding the heritage of Kaesong, and the museum provides a unique perspective on how ancient Korean culinary traditions have shaped modern dishes.

Must-Try Top 10 Food Dishes at Koryo Museum, Kaesong

• Kimchi - Vegetarian: No visit to Korea is complete without tasting its national dish, kimchi, a fermented vegetable dish most commonly made with cabbage and a variety of seasonings.
• Pajeon (Green Onion Pancake) - Vegetarian: A savory pancake filled with green onions and often other vegetables, offering a delightful vegetarian option.
• Japchae (Stir-fried Glass Noodles) - Vegetarian: Sweet potato noodles stir-fried with a mix of vegetables (and sometimes beef, which can be excluded for a vegetarian version).
• Bibimbap (Mixed Rice) - Veg Option Available: A signature Korean dish consisting of rice topped with various vegetables, chili paste, and sometimes egg or meat.
• Namul (Seasoned Vegetable Side Dishes) - Vegetarian: Assortment of seasoned and lightly cooked vegetables, usually served as side dishes.
• Insam-cha (Ginseng Tea) - Vegetarian: A rejuvenating tea made from Korean ginseng, renowned for its medicinal properties.
• Sujeonggwa (Persimmon Punch) - Vegetarian: A traditional Korean dessert drink made with dried persimmons, cinnamon, and ginger, usually served cold.
• Bukkumi (Sweet Rice Pancake) - Vegetarian: Tiny, sweet pancakes with a various fillings like sweetened sesame seeds or bean paste.
• Tteok (Korean Rice Cake) - Vegetarian: A staple in Korean cuisine, these rice cakes come in many forms and flavors—sweet, savory, steamed, pounded, or shaped.
• Gamjajeon (Potato Pancake) - Vegetarian: A simple yet delicious pancake made from grated or ground potatoes, typically served with a dipping sauce.

Top Restaurants near Koryo Museum, Kaesong

Traditional Kaesong Restaurant
Address: Panmunjeom Road, Kaesong, North Korea
Famous Dish: Pansangi - a traditional Kaesong meal served in bronze bowls, it includes a variety of dishes like porridges, meats (non-beef), and vegetables. Vegetarian options may be limited or upon request.

Kaesong Manseok Restaurant
Address: Okryeon-dong, Kaesong, North Korea
Famous Dish: Ginseng Chicken Soup (non-veg)—considered to be a nutritious dish with ginseng and various ingredients believed to promote health.

Kaesong Folk Custom Hotel Restaurant
Address: Haeboru Street, Kaesong, North Korea
Famous Dish: Sinseollo - an elaborate dish served in a large pot with both meats (non-beef) and vegetables, cooked in broth. Vegetarian options may need to be requested.

It is important to mention that due to the centralized food system in North Korea, availability of certain ingredients might be limited and improvisation in vegetarian forms of traditional dishes can vary from one establishment to another.