The aim of this study was to establish the identity of Korean traditional food based on the recorded food preferencesduring the period of the Chosun Dynasty. Our primary source in this regard was the invaluable, historical document calledthe “Miam’s diary.” This important document reveals details of such food preferences from October 1567 to September1568. By analyzing the income-expenditure trends of virtually every household, this diary was used to describe a vividtraditional food preference of the people during that period. A detailed analysis of the diary reveals the summary of families’characteristics in the 16th century. First, it records the fact that expenditure on food was mainly based on stipend and giftsreceived. The type of food preferred by the people was diverse in nature; for it included rice, bean, chicken, pheasant, andseafood. However, there were dried or pickled forms too so as to prevent them from undergoing decay. Second, it throwslight on the fact that people expended food mainly as a salary for servants. People utilized the income from selling such fooditems to purchase goods and land. They also used the same either to donate for a funeral or wedding purpose. Third, itrecords the fact that day-to-day purchase of groceries was mostly based on gift(s) for someone close to them such as aneighbor, colleague, relative, or student. Further, such gifts included small groceries, food items, and clothes. Fourth, basedon the data available in the diary, it seemed likely that the gentry families laid emphasis on the customary formalities of afamily dating back to as early as the late 16th century. Finally, the document also records the fact that noblemen of theChosun Dynasty had a notion that they had to extend warmth and affection by presenting generous gifts to their guests athome. Noblemen during that period were very particular in welcoming their guests as they believed that this approach alonewould testify their status as noblemen.