Jangdokdae



In Korean culture, Jangdokdae or Jangttokttae is an outside space, most frequently a terrace, used to store or ferment food. Foods such as Kimchi, soybeans, grains, and bean and red pepper paste, are placed in Jangdok (or Onggi) earthenware jars which are then placed on the Jangdokdae.

Jangdok means "crock" (for condiments and soy sauce) and dae  means "place", "support"... so jangdokdae (장독대) means "place for jangdok(s)". The jars are called hangari or onggi.

This place is commonly found directly near traditional Korean houses, more precisely near the kitchen. Sunshine and ventilation are key aspects in the location choice, so that foods can be preserved and kept fresh. Well-preserved ingredients may stay for several years in the jars.

The similar terraces of royal palaces were called yeomgo and were supervised by a court lady, called janggo mama.