• Food Science and Industry
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• v.55 no.2
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• pp.203-217
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• 2022

The influence of the social changes on the food and nutritional status of Korean during the late period of Joseon Kingdom (1800-1910) was analysed by using old literatures and the records of the Westerners visited Korea during the period. The late period of Joseon can be designated the most poor and miserable period in the history of Korea. The people suffered from the corrupted and incompetent government and social disturbances. The main driving forces to reforming the society at that time were 'Silhak' (Practical Learning), introduction of Catholic church and Donghak movement. The food related literatures written in this period in Korea described the life of upper classes (Yangban) and paid little attention to the life of the poor majority. This paper introduces the food availability and habits of Korean observed by the Westerners visited Korea at that time.