The Food Culture of Baekje

[Narration]
These artifacts are copper plates and spoons that were found in the Royal Tomb of King Muryeong.

[Tourist]
Did the King and Queen use them when they were alive?

[Narration]
Well, the King and Queen may have used them when they were alive, but the spoon is very small and with its triangular shaped handle, it must have been inconvenient to use.

[Tourist]
So, why were they placed in the tomb?

[Narration]
I think that the people of Baekje believed that even dead people needed spoons and plates.

[Tourist]
Did the people of Baekje use spoons and chopsticks?

[Narration]
Yes, they did. Korean people began to use spoons and chopsticks a long time ago. It is a part of their culture to eat with these utensils.

[Tourist]
Oh, I see. But the utensils are a different color than the ones we use today. What are they made out of?

[Narration]
They were made out of copper. In the past, copper was very valuable and only kings and queens, or people of high social ranking, were able to use copper spoons and chopsticks.

Now, shall we move on to the next artifact?