This study summarizes the research methods, subjects, research processes, and achievements of major researchers by analyzing previous research results on Korean food history. The goal of the current study aimed to seek the methodology and direction of ‘food history research’. Literature data from 1945 to 2022 were examined. Results of excavation research on ancient food literature were divided into the following stages: the 1980s, when the foundation for ‘cataloging’ was laid, and the 2000s, when ‘digitization’ was achieved. Achievements of each period were collected, and the achievements and limitations were analyzed. Next, the research results were classified into ‘Food technology history’, ‘Recipe change history’, and ‘Food culture and dietary history’. We observed that around the 2000s, anthropology and folklore research perspectives were reflected, and the research on ‘history of diet’ reached a turning point. Our results indicate the possibility that food history can develop as a special historical area. This could be achieved by establishing an exchange system with other disciplines and creating a systematic curriculum.