Soybean was originated from the regions of Manchuria where it was processed into Dujang, the fermented soybean souce. It was not until the Han dynasty in China that 'Shi', one type of Dujang, was introduced. 'Shi', which is also known as 'Sanguk'(loose soybean Meju), is made by first boiling and then fermenting the kernel of cooked soybean. It was admitted by the Chinese scholors that the 'Shi' which was used in China was introduced from Manchurian, the neighboring people to China at that time and the concestor of Korean. 'Maljang' is a form of caked-shaped 'Meju' which is made by formenting cooked and mashed soybean. The 'Maljang' of Manchuria was introduced to China, where it was called 'Maldo'. This fact is stated in a book, 'Saminwolyong', written during the 2nd century. 'Maljang' is presently used in Korea, but China has abandoned the use of 'Maljang' since the 6th century. It was introduced to Japan from Korea around the 7th century, and is remained in a few local regions. Although the term 'Jang' is representing all sort of fermented soybean preducts, including 'Shi' and 'Maljang', today, the definition of 'Jang' differs between China and Korea. According to the Chinese definition of 'Jang'. it is fermented soybean mixed with other cereal Koji. 'Jang' was first mentioned in 'Jaeminyo sool' in China and it was lator introduced to Japan However, in Korea, the Chinese type of 'Jang' was not commonly used due to the popularity of 'Maljang'.

• 이성우 | Lee, Sung-Woo