| ID | 175871 |
| Title Proper | Exporting North Korean Food Culture and Cuisines |
| Language | ENG |
| Author | Lim, Tai Wei |
| Summary / Abstract (Note) | Article Type: Review Essay Purpose— The purpose of this commentary/review essay is to examine North Korean food culture and cuisine exports (especially to the ethnic Korean border areas on the Chinese side of the Sino–North Korean border) in the context of North Korean external political economy, cultural diplomacy and economic exchanges. Design, Methodology, Approach— This review essay and commentary tries to address gaps in the literature and hopes to provide insights into North Korea's exportation of food culture and cuisine overseas, especially to the autonomous region of Yanbian in China's Jilin province. A caveat is that Korean culture has a deep history of food and culinary culture and only a few selected examples are featured here, contextualized in its commodified form. It does not pretend to be comprehensive in featuring all important dishes. The article is based on interpretive work and multiple secondary sources that are corroborated. Findings— Any form of export is an avenue for the inflow of much-needed foreign currencies for the regime. One hub where North Korean restaurants cluster is at the Yanbian autonomous region of Jilin prefecture in China. The United Nations (UN) sanctions and staff defections have unexpectedly hurt these restaurants' profit margins. Performers at North Korean restaurants are well-trained in the traditional/popular art-forms, have good credentials and party pedigree. Iconic dishes served at the restaurants include dog meat, which is a delicacy in North Korea and, for individuals with a yearning for aristocratic dishes with regal tastes, and want to sample royal food, dishes like sinseollo is served. In terms of beverages, the locally feted Taedonggang North Korean beer has been strangely reproduced by a local brewery in the U.S. in Miami since 2018. Originality, Value— Very few articles have been written on this topic in the English language, beyond a handful of media reports. It is a de-privileged and understudied topic in North Korean studies, despite its cultural importance and important political economic implications. |
| `In' analytical Note | North Korean Review Vol. 16, No.2; Fall 2020: p.111-120 |
| Journal Source | North Korean Review 2020-12 16, 2 |
| Key Words | Cuisines ; North Korean Food Culture |