Dae Jang Geum

Author: Kim Sang-heon
Publisher:
Publish Date: 2004-09-01
Features: This book features legendary love, the martial arts of a heroic woman, the debauchery of the imperial court's wine and flowers, the elegance of the countryside with its clear mountains and flowing waters, and more. It also delves into the origins of Korean medicine and cuisine, making it a colorful and highly readable novel. This historical novel was written by the renowned South Korean author Kim Sang-heon. The same-titled television drama, adapted from the story of Dae Jang-geum, was starring the famous South Korean actress Lee Young-ae and has achieved the highest ratings in South Korea. Dae Jang-geum was a smart and beautiful girl in the Joseon Dynasty at the age of 15. Due to a family upheaval in a wealthy household, she ended up in poverty, but this also gave her the opportunity to learn exceptional medical skills from a spiritual healer and develop noble qualities such as kindness, resilience, and a compassionate heart. She was selected to become a palace chef and, through her cleverness and diligence, mastered the most exquisite Korean cuisine techniques. Later, she was framed and became a palace courtesan, but she bravely and intelligently overcame adversity, returned to the palace, and became the highest-ranking female physician at the time, ultimately also winning her own love.