Yeolyang Sesigi: A Year in Old Seoul

Discover the Food, Festivals, and Traditions of Korea's Past

What did Korean life look like before K-pop, K-dramas, and Korean cuisine captured the world's imagination? Yeolyang Sesigi: A Year in Old Seoul invites you to discover the cultural roots of Korea through the eyes of Kim Maesun (1776-1840), a scholar-official who recorded the vibrant life of Seoul in 1819.

As Book No. 1 in the Korea Classica series, published by the East Asian Textual Heritage Association, this volume opens a window into Korea's historical and cultural heritage, bringing classical Korean texts to contemporary readers around the world. The series aims to introduce the richness of Korea's past, preserving its intellectual traditions, cultural practices, and everyday experiences for a global audience.

Long before Korean food became a global sensation, seasonal dishes, festive meals, and cherished food traditions shaped everyday life. From rice-cake soup served at New Year to the great winter ritual of making kimchi, Kim's observations reveal how food connected families, communities, and the changing seasons. These traditions offer a fascinating window into the cultural heritage behind Korea's enduring love of food.

Follow the rhythm of a year in late Joseon Seoul, exploring colorful festivals, traditional games, Buddhist celebrations, bustling markets, household rituals, and the customs that brought people together. Discover how Koreans welcomed the New Year, celebrated the first full moon, exchanged seasonal gifts, and prepared for the changing seasons. Along the way, encounter the historical world of King Jeongjo, whose reign left a lasting mark on Korean intellectual and cultural life.

More than a historical record, this book brings the everyday experiences of Korea's past to life. Drawing on personal observations, memories, and historical sources, Kim Maesun preserves customs that were already beginning to fade in his own time.

For readers fascinated by Korean culture, K-food, history, and the global rise of Hallyu, this book offers a journey beyond today's popular culture to the traditions that helped shape it. Discover the flavors, festivals, and seasonal rhythms of old Seoul-and experience a more intimate side of Korea's rich cultural heritage through this inaugural volume of Korea Classica.