Jewel in the Palace

When a lady of the royal food court witnesses a soldier being ordered to poison the Queen, her fate becomes entwined with that of the conspirators.

Jang-geum and her mother are in danger after Jang-geum inadvertently reveals her father's true identity and he is taken by the court soldiers.

After her mother's death, Jang-geum is adopted by a family that runs a winery. She applies to become a junior cook in the royal food court to honor her mother's last wish.

Jang-geum's place in the royal court is at stake after she and Yeong-seng cause trouble in the kitchen. Jang-geum takes the test to become a royal maid.

A replacement must be found when the Highest Court Lady of the Royal Kitchen becomes ill.

The kitchen is kept busy preparing meals for King Jung Jong's birthday meanwhile the princess falls ill and will not eat.

Jang-geum is sent to a farm when she loses her position at the palace for leaving the grounds without permission. There she reads medical books while increasing her awareness of nature's ingredients.

Jang-geum begins preparing for the royal food competition from the day she returns to the royal kitchen; the royal food competition unfolds in the assistant court ladies' training area, and Geum-yeong becomes the first one to solve the topic.

Jang-geum fails the examination when she can't find the flour needed for her dumplings. The person responsible is found.

Geum-young is instructed by Court Lady Choi to hide a cursed silk in the kitchen. Jang-geum finds a hidden book that belonged to her mother.

Jang-geum makes the decision to keep her mother's book a secret while the search for the silk continues.

Jang-geum is desolate when she loses her sense of taste just before the cooking contest is held the the next Highest Court Lady of the Royal Kitchen.

Jang-geum is recognized for her medical skills, but struggles with palace politics. She begins to gain the trust of the king, though challenges remain.

Jang-geum faces increasing jealousy from her rivals and must navigate palace intrigue carefully to avoid danger.

Jang-geum works hard to overcome obstacles, proving her worth through her dedication, while building valuable alliances.

Jang-geum’s medical expertise continues to shine, earning her a more prominent position, but also making her a target for those who envy her.

As the political tensions rise, Jang-geum uncovers a hidden conspiracy and fights to protect herself and those she cares about.

Jang-geum's skills are further tested, and she faces difficult choices while balancing her loyalty and survival in the palace's dangerous environment.

Lady Choi and Lady Han must create a feast for a Ming General visiting the Joseon court for the last round of the competition.

Jang-geum must create the birthday feast for the King's mother when Lady Han is kidnapped while getting new ingredients.

The birthday feast for the King's mother is a success. Lady Jung is ready to step down but Lady Han still has not been found.

Lady Han is chosen to be Lady Jung's successor as the head of the Royal Kitchen. Lady Jung is dying and Jang-geum tries to save her.

To appease the protests over Lady Han's appointment, another competition is held. Jang-geum writes a letter to her mother's friend in the Royal Kitchen.

Lady Choi finds the notebook that belonged to Jang-geum's mother; Min Jung-ho continues the investigation into who has been stealing from the king.