Preparing food is a universal activity of families and households around the world. The kitchen is the site of these activities and is often considered the center of the home. This symposium examines housing and kitchens in Eastern and Western countries through an exploration of cultural history and lifestyles throughout the centuries. Korea and the United States were selected as the original countries for comparison and study. China and Japan were included to provide a more comprehensive Oriental perspective, while England and Italy were included to expand on the European heritage prevalent in the history of the United States.