The Arumjigi Foundation in Seoul is presenting a comprehensive exhibition that celebrates Korea's rich fermented food heritage, running from August 29 through November 15. The exhibition, titled "Jang to Table: Savoring the Everyday," offers visitors a contemporary perspective on jang, which serves as the collective term for traditional Korean fermented sauces and pastes that form the backbone of Korean cuisine.
The exhibition gains particular significance as it highlights the cultural and culinary importance of jang, which was recently inscribed on UNESCO's Representative List of the Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity in 2024. This recognition underscores the global importance of Korea's fermentation traditions and their contribution to world culinary heritage.
The exhibition is thoughtfully organized into two distinct sections that explore different aspects of jang culture. The first section, "Jang and Dishes," showcases ten traditional types of jang that have been carefully selected by the renowned Onjium Food Studio. Each variety of jang is expertly paired with a specific dish designed to highlight and accentuate its unique flavor profile, allowing visitors to understand how these fermented products enhance Korean cuisine.
The second section, "Jang and Utensils," presents a fascinating blend of traditional and contemporary approaches to jang-making tools and equipment. This section features authentic traditional implements such as earthenware jars and wooden paddles that have been used for centuries in the fermentation process. Alongside these historical artifacts, the exhibition displays modern reinterpretations created by fifteen contemporary designers and craft artists who have reimagined these tools for today's world.
These contemporary artists have worked with diverse materials including wood, metal, glass, and clay to explore innovative ways that ancient jang traditions can be seamlessly integrated into modern dining culture through thoughtful design. Their creations demonstrate how traditional fermentation practices can evolve while maintaining their essential cultural significance.
An official from the Arumjigi Foundation explained the exhibition's deeper purpose, stating, "This exhibition is an attempt to revive jang as a living culture, with the hope that this cultural heritage from the past will naturally continue on today's dining tables." This statement reflects the foundation's commitment to ensuring that traditional Korean food culture remains relevant and accessible to contemporary audiences.
The current exhibition represents the seventh installment in Arumjigi's annual themed exhibition series, which has consistently focused on preserving and promoting Korean cultural heritage. Throughout its seven-year history, this exhibition series has benefited from the support of long-time partners, including the luxury brand Cartier, demonstrating the international appreciation for Korean cultural traditions and the foundation's mission to preserve them for future generations.
