2003

S1.E1 ∙ The King's Order

Fri, Sep 12, 2003

A court soldier is ordered to poison the Queen. Meanwhile, a lady of the royal food court witnesses the masterminds behind this conspiracy. Unbeknownst to them, their fates are intertwined.

8.4 /10

14 years later and Jang Geum's dad is 40 years old and still not married after a fortune teller's words frightened him off women. Yeonsangun is on the throne and known to be cruel. There are rumours that he killed his teacher and killed his own father's beloved deer. Afraid for his safety having taken part in the death of Yeonsangun's mother, Jang Geum's dad decides to quit his job and leave the palace. Over in the palace kitchens the food is being prepared for the king and his family. But court lady Park watches another cook (Lady Choi) putting wolfsbane in the queen mother's dish, an ingredient which is bad for her. Fearing for the queen mother's health, Lady Park reports this to her superiors. Next thing we know Lady Park (Jang Geum's future mum) is framed by Lady Choi and poisoned for 'fraternising with male officials'. But she is saved by her friend, Lady Han, who slips her an antidote. Jang Geum's future father finds Lady Park nearly dead but takes her to a temple where she is saved. They end up becoming a couple and have a daughter, Jang Geum.

7.7 /10

S1.E3 ∙ Jungjong banjong

Fri, Sep 26, 2003

To fulfill her mother's dying wish, Jang Geum attempts to become a junior cook in the royal food court. She is adopted by a family that runs a wine brewery.

7.9 /10

S1.E4 ∙ A Bowl of Water

Thu, Oct 02, 2003

Jang Geum and Yeong Seng cause trouble in the kitchen. Jang Geum takes part in an examination to be a royal maid. Her place in the royal court is at stake.

7.9 /10

S1.E5 ∙ Episode #1.5

Mon, Nov 17, 2003

The Highest Court Lady of the Royal Kitchen falls ill. A new candidate for the position must be chosen.

8.1 /10

S1.E6 ∙ The Golden Pheasant

Mon, Nov 17, 2003

The princess is sick and refuses to eat, and King Jung Jong's birthday keeps the entire kitchen busy preparing important meals.

7.2 /10

S1.E7 ∙ The Herb Garden

Thu, Sep 18, 2003

Jang Geum is exiled from the palace for leaving premises without permission. She is placed on a farm, where she reads medical books and strengthens her knowledge of nature's ingredients.

7.5 /10

S1.E8 ∙ Mandu

Wed, Dec 31, 2003

Jang Geum returns to the palace and participates in the Royal Cooking Examination. Those who do not pass the test will be exiled from the palace.

7.5 /10

S1.E9 ∙ Cold Noodles

Thu, Jan 01, 2004

Jang Geum cannot find flour for her dumplings and fails the cooking examination. The unexpected culprit who stole her flour is found.

7.8 /10

S1.E10 ∙ Bad Luck Charm

Fri, Jan 02, 2004

Court Lady Choi tells Geum Young to hide a cursed silk in the kitchen. Jang Geum finds her mother's hidden book.

7.8 /10

S1.E11 ∙ Poisonous Ducks?

Sun, Jan 04, 2004

The court continues to search for the hidden silk. Jang Geum keeps her mother's found book a secret.

7.8 /10

S1.E12 ∙ Taste Palate

Mon, Jan 05, 2004

A cooking contest will be held to determine the next Highest Court Lady of the Royal Kitchen. To her devastation, Jang Geum loses her sense of taste.

7.4 /10

S1.E13 ∙ Unlucky Bean Paste

Wed, Jan 07, 2004

Jang Geum and Lady Han try to cure her inability to taste. The Royal Kitchen devolves into chaos when it's discovered that soy bean sauce has changed tastes.

7.4 /10

S1.E14 ∙ Cooking Whale Meat

Thu, Jan 08, 2004

Jang Geum trains herself to cook without taste. Meanwhile, Min Jung Ho grows increasingly interested in her growth and lends her books to study.

7.4 /10

S1.E15 ∙ COMPETITION for the HEAD KITCHEN LADY

Mon, Mar 01, 2004

Jang Geum's sense of taste has returned. Court Lady Han and Lady Choi are tasked with creating a feast for the king's birthday using leftover food from the people.

7.3 /10

S1.E16 ∙ EXILED to the TEMPLE

Sun, Mar 07, 2004

Court Lady Han and Jang Geum lose the competition. Jang Geum, as punishment, must leave the palace.

7.2 /10

S1.E17 ∙ COMPETITION PART 2: RAW FISH

Thu, Mar 11, 2004

Jang Geum attempts to recreate a childhood dish for a sick court lady. Meanwhile, Lady Han decides to go on with the competition without a new assistant.

7.7 /10

S1.E18 ∙ THE DIABETIC ENVOY

Mon, Mar 15, 2004

Geum Young grows increasingly jealous of Jang Geum's friendship with Min Jung Ho. The last competition has been set for Lady Han and Lady Choi. Jang Geum returns to the palace.

8 /10

S1.E19 ∙ THE SECOND TEST

Thu, Mar 25, 2004

A Ming General visits the Joseon court, and last round of the competition concludes as Lady Choi and Han must prepare a feast for the special guest.

8.1 /10

S1.E20 ∙ THE KIDNAP

Wed, Mar 31, 2004

Lady Han goes out to get new ingredients and is kidnapped on the way. It is up to Jang Geum to put together the birthday feast of the King's mother.

7.3 /10

S1.E21 ∙ WILD BERRIES

Sat, Apr 03, 2004

Jang Geum successfully completes the birthday meal for the King's mother. Lady Han is still missing when Lady Jung is ready to step down from her position.

7.5 /10

S1.E22 ∙ THE STRIKE

Sun, Apr 04, 2004

Lady Han becomes the new head of the Royal Kitchen. The retired Lady Jung is dying, and Jang Geum attempts to save her.

7.3 /10

S1.E23 ∙ THE COURT LADY ACCOUNTANT

Fri, Mar 05, 2004

Another contest is held to appease the protests over Lady Han's promotion. Jang Geum leaves a letter for her mother's friend in the Royal Kitchen.

8.1 /10

S1.E24 ∙ TRUE IDENTITIES ARE REVEALED

Tue, Apr 06, 2004

Lady Choi finds the notebook kept by Jang Geum's mother. Meanwhile, Min Jung Ho continues to aggressively investigate who has been stealing from the king.

7.9 /10

S1.E25 ∙ MORE POISONOUS DUCKS

Thu, Apr 08, 2004

Jang Geum and Lady Han finally learn of each other's true identities. In light of this emotional reunion, the two try to piece together the mystery of her mother's death.

8 /10