The Korean Gastronomic Aesthetic in Santiago de Chile: A Sensory Ethnography of Patronato

This research focuses on Korean food and everything that happens around it. The question that guides this research is: how is the Korean gastronomic aesthetic configured in the Patronato neighborhood in Santiago de Chile? Through 18 interviews and non-participant observation over 1 year, the relationship of the South Korean gastronomic community with Patronato was explored, its aesthetics characterized and diners’ perceptions investigated. The essay concludes that Patronato exemplifies a multi-territorial gastronomic aesthetic that blends symbolic and material elements of Korean culture with local Chilean realities. This dynamic process not only reflects the adaptation of Korean immigrants to their new environment but also illustrates how Korean gastronomic culture has been integrated and valued within the urban fabric of Santiago. Furthermore, the growing presence of Korean restaurants and the influence of Korean cultural industries, such as k-pop, have contributed to the legitimation and acceptance of Korean food in Chile, making it a desirable and accessible aspect of urban culture.