Gojoseon  고조선 (Ancient Joseon/Ancient Chosun)

The first Korean Kingdom recorded in written history is GoJoseon, which according to legend was founded in 2333 BC by Dangun Wanggeom , a grandson of heaven. Gojoseon was roughly centered in the basins of the Liao and Taedong rivers, encompassing southern Manchuria and the northern portion of the Korean peninsula.

The food of Korea at this time was probably mostly prepared from game, foraged (wild) grains and fruits, and the harvest of very early cultivation. Some animals may have been domesticated. Early types of hard flat breads and some boiled foods were likely to have been developed.

Fishing may have been limited to freshwater streams, lakes, rivers, and close in coastal waters where people could harvest fish or other seafood trapped in tidal pools. Clams, crabs, and other coastal seafood probably provided a good portion of the diet of any peoples who lived near the sea.

Cooking was most likely done over coals and heated stone, and more than likely there was no preservation of foods other than simple drying.

Sometime around 1200 BC, rice cultivation was introduced to Korea, probably from China through Manchuria. Both dry field cultivation, and paddy cultivation spread throughout the peninsula. Domestication of livestock is also attributed to this period, as is the rise of bronze age culture. With more abundant food sources, advances in pottery, and the use of bronze cookware, Korean cooking methods began to advance. The ability to cook with oils, use of fermentation and salting of foods led to more complicated dishes.

As Gojoseon grew in power, influence, and territory, long range trade with other cultures began. Exotic materials and foodstuffs made their way into Korea. It is not a very large leap to assume that the expensive and rare foods, spices, and cookware were reserved for the ruling class, giving birth to the first forms of Royal Cuisine.