Representation of Korean Society in Joseon Era through Culinary Narratives in Novel Titled Consort's Secret Recipe Written by Nak Hera

Abstract

          This research article explores the portrayal of Korean society in the Joseon era depicted via culinary narratives in the novel titled Consort's Secret Recipe written by Nak Hera, published by Groove Publishing (2019). The study employed the concept of visual representation as a framework for analysis and a descriptive analytical approach. The findings reveal that S Consort's Secret Recipe presents seven distinct representations of Korean society in the Joseon era through its culinary narrative: (1) a society renowned for its culinary traditions, highlighting health and adherence to recipes; (2) a society where the upper class and women used culinary expression as a tool to display power; (3) the stratification of society into multiple classes; (4) expression of Confucian values. The reader's perception of these representations comes from the female author’s perspectives and her literary techniques. The novel not only presents a snapshot of Joseon society's culinary landscape partly consistent with mainstream history but also infuses it with additional layers of meaning as a reflection of the author's interpretations and the evolving values of the era.In particular, the novel depicts women grappling with patriarchal power through their culinary abilities, symbolizing their fight for societal progress.