While the food culture of the Joseon Dynasty varied significantly by social status, the philosophy of reflecting the laws of nature on the dining table remained the same. The king’s royal meal, Surasang, was a symbol of power where regional specialties converged, but it also served as a political tool for the king to gauge the livelihood of his people. Meanwhile, commoners sought comfort in a simple bowl of Gukbap (soup with rice) at the market, and fermented foods like Kimchi and Jang (sauces) formed the vital backbone of the Joseon diet.