Every royal palace had its own “Suragan” or “Sojubang”. The name “Suragan” means “a place filled up by the food ingredient prepared for the king,” whereas “Sojubang” means “the kitchen where fire is used”. Its name suggests its primary function: catering to the needs of the royal family.

Currently, only two places have Suragan. They are Gyeongbokgung Palace and Changdeokgung Palace. The one in Gyeongbokgung Palace was restored in the 2010s, and the one in Changdeokgung Palace remained in its original form that was actually used until the Korean Empire. Although they shared the same role, they had different characteristics. Compared to the traditional Korean royal kitchen in the Gyeongbokgung Palace, the one in Changdeokgung Palace was westernized. It was built in a modern style by King Sunjong, the second emperor of the Korean Empire, because a fire broke out in Changdeokgung Palace.

The Suragan in Changdeokgung Palace looks different from the common Suragan that appears in historical dramas. It was for making western dishes such as bread, waffles, and coffee instead of rice and soup. After King Sunjong converted the kitchen into modern style, there was no fireplace, and firewood was found instead of an iron door.