Part 5/9:

To appreciate hwajeon fully, one must recognize the remarkable woman who brought this recipe to life. Born in 1598 during the Joseon Dynasty, Jang Gye-hyang defied societal norms. Despite a patriarchal educational system, she voraciously pursued knowledge, often eavesdropping on her father's lessons and diligently teaching herself to read and write.

Her intellect was apparent from a young age; by nine, she was composing poems that attracted royal attention. As a gifted artist and calligrapher, she garnered praise for her skill, and her works stood out in a non-traditional way. She eventually married one of her father’s students, and together they raised a family, dedicating herself to education and nurturing not just her children but her village as a whole.