An Autumn Culinary Journey through Korea’s Seasonal Flavors : VISITKOREA

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- - An Autumn Culinary Journey through Korea’s Seasonal Flavors
    
    09/08/2025
    
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Autumn’s Seasonal Delights ⓒClipartKorea
Autumn in Korea feels like a gift after the long, hot summer. The crisp air invites leisurely outings, and the brilliant foliage is a feast for the eyes. Yet what many look forward to most is the season’s abundance of flavors that awaken all the senses. From the ocean’s bounty of fresh seafood to golden grains and the year’s sweetest fruits, autumn is the perfect time to savor Korea’s seasonal delicacies while exploring its most picturesque destinations.
| Autumn’s Seasonal Delicacies for All the Senses
When autumn arrives—captured in the Korean saying “cheongomabi,” meaning “the sky is high and horses grow fat”—tables across the country fill with seasonal specialties. These foods not only restore energy to bodies and minds wearied by the summer heat, but also strengthen health during the seasonal transition. Let’s take a closer look at some of autumn’s most treasured flavors.
1. Gizzard Shad
- Grilled Gizzard Shad ⓒGetty Image Bank
- Sliced Raw Gizzard Shad ⓒGetty Image Bank
In autumn, gizzard shad are especially prized as their fat content rises, giving the flesh a tender texture and a rich, nutty flavor. The most popular preparation is jeoneogui (grilled gizzard shad), lightly salted and roasted to bring out its natural aroma. Thanks to their soft bones, they are also enjoyed raw in thin slices. While a simple dip in soy sauce highlights their clean flavor, Koreans often savor jeoneohoe (sliced raw gizzard shad) wrapped in lettuce with condiments such as wasabi, chili paste, garlic, and fresh peppers—a true seasonal delicacy. For the freshest catch, the coastal regions along Korea’s west and south seas, including Gwangyang, Seocheon, and Boseong, are especially renowned.
Recommended Seasonal Food Spots
[Naruteo Hoetjip]
Established in 1978, this long-standing restaurant is renowned for its gizzard shad specialties. Here, guests can enjoy a generous full-course meal of this autumn delicacy in an elegant, spotless setting reminiscent of a fine hotel restaurant.
- Address: 23 Myeongdang 6-gil, Gwangyang-si, Jeollanam-do (전라남도 광양시 명당6길 23)
- Operating hours: 11:00–21:00 (Closed on the 3rd Monday of every month)
[Neobaengi Deungdae Hoetjip]
This ocean-view seafood restaurant greets guests with panoramic windows overlooking the open sea. Its specialties included a gizzard shad trio—hoe (sliced raw fish), seasoned salad, and grilled—along with freshly caught seafood from nearby waters such as grilled prawns, and spicy crab stew.
- Address: 133 Hongwon-gil, Seo-myeon, Seocheon-gun, Chungcheongnam-do (충청남도 서천군 서면 홍원길 133)
- Operating hours: 10:00-20:30
[Jeoneohoe Jeonmun Hwareohoe Center]
A beloved autumn spot in Daegu, this restaurant is renowned for its gizzard shad specialties. On the wall, you’ll find a guide titled “How to Eat Deliciously.” Follow it to savor gizzard shad wrapped in perilla leaves, seaweed, soybean paste, and garlic—a true seasonal delicacy.
- Address: 211 Munhwa-ro, Seo-gu, Daegu (대구광역시 서구 문화로 211)
- Operating hours: 12:00-02:00
2. Prawn
- Grilled Prawn ⓒPhoto Korea-Kim Ji-ho
- Deep-Fried Prawn ⓒPhoto Korea-Kim Ji-ho
In Korea, daeha literally means “big prawn.” This native species is prized for its firm, chewy texture and savory flavor, especially in autumn, when it grows plump and develops a natural sweetness. Coastal regions such as Ganghwado Island, Anmyeondo Island, and Namdang Port in Hongseong bustle with visitors eager to savor this seasonal delicacy. The most popular preparation is daeha sogeumgui (salt-grilled prawn). The prawns are placed on a pan generously lined with coarse salt and gently roasted until tender, allowing the flavor to seep into the shells. For an added treat, the heads are often deep-fried separately for a delightfully crispy bite.
Recommended Seasonal Food Spots
[Ttoori Hoe Susan]
Located at Namdang Port, a hub for prawn harvests, this restaurant is a must-visit during the Hongseong Namdang Port Prawn Festival (Aug 22 – Oct 20, 2025). Here, you can indulge in a prawn set so lavish it feels like a true banquet.
- Address: 16-4 Namdanghang-ro 435beon-gil, Seobu-myeon, Hongseong-gun, Chungcheongnam-do (충청남도 홍성군 서부면 남당항로435번길 16-4)
- Operating hours: 10:30-21:00
[Teolbo Seonjang Hoetjip Anmyeondo]
This boat-shaped landmark restaurant on Anmyeondo Island has been featured in numerous TV programs. It offers local specialties made with seasonal seafood, including grilled prawn and gegukji (blue crab and kimchi stew).
- Address: 95 Baeksajang 1-gil, Anmyeon-eup, Taean-gun, Chungcheongnam-do (충청남도 태안군 안면읍 백사장1길 95)
- Operating hours: 10:00-22:00
[Suwonho]
A popular dining spot near Seoul, perfect for enjoying prawn with a view of the sea. The owner personally sails out to catch wild seafood, serving it fresh at affordable prices.
- Address: No. 6, 96-18, Haeandong-ro, Gilsang-myeon, Ganghwa-gun, Incheon (인천광역시 강화군 길상면 해안동로 96-18 6호)
- Operating hours: 08:00-21:00 (Closed on the 2nd and 4th Tuesdays of every month)
3. Cockle
- Cockle Set Menu ⓒPhoto Korea-Studio 4cats
- Steamed Cockles ⓒClipartKorea
Often called “the sea’s tonic” in Korea, cockles are highly nutritious and are most famously harvested along Yeojaman Bay, which spans through Goheung, Boseong, Suncheon, and Yeosu. When blanched while being gently stirred with a wooden spatula, they develop their signature sweet and chewy texture. The blanched meat can be enjoyed as kkomakjjim (steamed cockles) by removing one side of the shell and topping it with a savory soy-based sauce, or as kkomangmuchim (cockle salad), mixed with julienned vegetables such as cucumber, carrot, and perilla leaves in a spicy-sweet chili paste. Another popular favorite is kkomakbibimbap (cockle bibimbap), where seasoned cockles are generously heaped over warm rice and mixed with fresh vegetables.
Recommended Seasonal Food Spots
[Jangdo Wellbeing Kkomak Jeongsik]
Located in Beolgyo, one of Korea’s most renowned cockle-producing regions, this restaurant is famous for its cockle set menu. Here, you can enjoy a full spread of cockle dishes, ranging from cockle salad and grilled cockles to cockle fritters and savory cockle pancakes.
- Address: 3F, Beolgyo Kkomak Wellbeing Center, 15-24, Sijang 1-gil, Beolgyo-eup, Boseong-gun, Jeollanam-do (전라남도 보성군 벌교읍 시장1길 15-24 벌교꼬막웰빙센터 3층)
- Operating hours: 19:30-21:00
[Eomjine Pojangmacha Bonjeom]
A popular restaurant in Gangneung, best known for its cockle bibimbap. Its signature dish, kkomangmuchim bibimbap (bibimbap with seasoned cockles), is served with the cockle salad and rice set side by side, allowing diners to fully enjoy the cockles’ chewy texture and spicy kick.
- Address: 21 Gyeonggang-ro 2255beon-gil, Gangneung-si, Gangwon-do (강원특별자치도 강릉시 경강로2255번길 21)
- Operating hours: 11:00-23:00
4. Persimmon
- Sweet Persimmon ⓒClipartKorea
- Sweet Persimmon Ripening Process ⓒClipartKorea
Persimmons are Korea’s signature autumn fruit, announcing the arrival of fall. When fully ripe, orchards in Miryang, Changwon, and Cheongdo are awash in brilliant shades of orange. Sweet and crisp when eaten fresh, persimmons are also enjoyed in other forms depending on their tannin content. Astringent varieties, high in tannins, are processed in several ways—yeonsi (artificially ripened), hongsi (naturally ripened on the tree), and gotgam (wind-dried). These methods remove the bitterness and bring out the fruit’s natural sweetness, making persimmons a beloved ingredient in desserts such as cakes, puddings, and macarons.
Recommended Seasonal Food Spots
[Café Heidi]
This dessert café received the top prize at the Changwon Top 5 Agricultural Products Dessert Contest. Its signature item, the Gamdong Sand Cookie, layers Earl Grey cookies with sweet persimmon, salted caramel, and buttercream—making it perfect as a gift or a delightful treat for yourself.
- Address: 13 Uian-ro 27beon-gil, Uichang-gu, Changwon-si, Gyeongsangnam-do (경상남도 창원시 의창구 의안로27번길 13)
- Operating hours: 10:00-19:00 (Closed on Mondays and Tuesdays)
[Café Hey0]
A stylish hanok café converted from a traditional country home. Its specialties include sweet desserts made with Yeongdong gotgam (dried persimmon), including Gotgam Latte, Cheese Gotgam Danji, and Gotgam Jam Butter Croffle.
- Address: 34-4 Oeman 1-gil, Yanggang-myeon, Yeongdong-gun, Chungcheongbuk-do (충청북도 영동군 양강면 외만1길 34-4)
- Operating hours: 11:00-18:00 (Closed on Tuesdays and Wednesdays)
[Colline]
A flower-themed café well known as a filming location for popular K-dramas, including “Vincenzo (2021)” and “Prison Playbook (2017)”. Its signature Iced Hongsi Bingsu features frozen persimmons delicately arranged like blossoms atop finely shaved milk ice.
- Address: 1–2F, 45, Eoulmadang-ro, Mapo-gu, Seoul (서울특별시 마포구 어울마당로 45 1~2층)
- Operating hours: Sunday–Thursday 10:30-23:00 / Friday-Saturday 10:30-24:00
5. Chestnut
- Roasted Chestnuts ⓒGetty Image Bank
- Chestnut Pie ⓒDanim 7th Gen. Kim Ki-ppeum
When the cool breeze sets in and people begin to pull out their jackets, roasted chestnuts also begin to appear on the streets. While chestnuts are tasty eaten raw after peeling, roasting or boiling brings out even more of their natural sweetness. They are also enjoyed in dishes such as bammukmuchim (chestnut jelly salad) seasoned with assorted condiments, or bamjorim (braised chestnuts) simmered with sugar, soy sauce, and rice syrup. In regions famous for chestnuts, such as Gongju and Hadong, visitors can also discover a wide variety of chestnut-based desserts.
Recommended Seasonal Food Spots
[Bakery Bammaeul]
As famous as Gongsanseong Fortress, this bakery is celebrated for its chestnut desserts. Visitors will find a wide selection of delicacies made with Gongju’s local chestnuts by master pastry chefs, including Bammaeul Pie, Chestnut Éclair, and Chestnut Madeleine.
- Address: 5-9 Baengmigoeul-gil, Gongju-si, Chungcheongnam-do (충청남도 공주시 백미고을길 5-9)
- Operating hours: 09:00-21:00
[Bamtol]
Located near Hwagae Market, this bakery is renowned for its chestnut pie made with Hadong’s local chestnuts. The pie achieves a perfect balance of whole chestnuts and chestnut paste, with a crisp, flaky crust and a moist, flavorful filling.
- Address: 17-1 Hwagae-ro, Hwagae-myeon, Hadong-gun, Gyeongsangnam-do (경상남도 하동군 화개면 화개로 17-1)
- Operating hours: 09:00-18:00
6. Sweet Potato
- Deep-Fried and Sugar-Glazed Sweet Potatoes ⓒClipartKorea
- Sweet Potato Bread ⓒCafé & Bakery Pinancier
In autumn, sweet potatoes become sweeter and more tender, and those grown along Korea’s southern coast, including Haenam, develop an especially distinctive flavor from the sea breeze. In Korea, they are typically enjoyed roasted or boiled, often paired with milk or kimchi. Other popular treats include gogumamattang (deep-fried sweet potatoes) glazed with caramelized sugar, and gogumachaesotwigim (deep-fried sweet potatoes and vegetables), where julienned sweet potatoes are mixed with assorted vegetables and deep-fried to a crispy finish.
Recommended Seasonal Food Spots
[Café & Bakery Pinancier]
A bakery that won the grand prize at a prestigious dining contest. Its signature dessert, Sweet Potato Bread, along with Sweet Potato Tart and Sweet Potato Nurungji (crispy scorched rice-style sweet potato treat), are all made using Haenam sweet potatoes and are highly recommended.
- Address: 8 Eupnae-gil, Haenam-eup, Haenam-gun, Jeollanam-do (전라남도 해남군 해남읍 읍내길 8)
- Operating hours: 09:30-20:00
[Samok]
A cafe with a charming interior, converted from a woodworking workshop. Its signature dessert is roasted sweet potatoes from a wood-burning stove, served with ice cream, nuts, and honey.
- Address: 3F, 17-1, Achasan-ro 7-gil, Seongdong-gu, Seoul (서울특별시 성동구 아차산로7길 17-1 3층)
- Operating hours: Tuesday–Saturday 12:00-24:00 / Sundays 12:00-23:00 (Closed on Mondays)
| Chuseok Holiday Foods that Nourish Body and Soul
Chuseok, Korea's most important traditional holiday, is a time when families perform ancestral rites called 'charye' to honor and pay respect to their ancestors. The ritual table, known as 'charyesang,' is filled with gently seasoned dishes prepared without red pepper powder or garlic. These include songpyeon (half-moon rice cakes) made from the year's harvest, namul (assorted seasoned vegetables), jeon (Korean pancakes), broth stew such as tang and guk, and traditional sweets like yakgwa (honey cookies). Depending on family and regional traditions, other festive dishes such as japchae (stir-fried glass noodles and vegetables) and galbijjim (braised short ribs) may also be served.
1. Jeon
- Various Jeon ⓒTravel Leader 8th Gen. Kwon Yeong-sang
- Mapo Jeon Alley ⓒTravel Leader 8th Gen. Kwon Yeong-sang
Jeon is a dish that appears not only on ancestral ritual tables but also at festive feasts. It is made by seasoning slices of fish, meat, or vegetables, lightly coating them with flour and beaten egg, and then pan-frying them until golden brown. Softer in texture than deep-fried foods, jeon is prized for its savory, nutty flavor.
Recommended Jeon Spots
[Mapo Jeon Alley]
This charming alley offers a delightful variety of jeon, including kimchijeon (kimchi pancake), donggeurangttaeng (pan-fried meatball), and scallop jeon. Pair these savory dishes with makgeolli (traditional rice wine) to balance the richness and enjoy your perfect combination.
- Address: Gongdeok Market, 23 Mallijae-ro, Mapo-gu, Seoul (서울특별시 마포구 만리재로 23 공덕시장)
- Operating hours: Varies by venue
[Wonjo Soonheenae Bindaetteok]
A popular jeon eatery at Gwangjang Market, an essential stop on any Seoul itinerary. Here you can enjoy nokdubindaetteok (mung bean pancake) and wanjajeon (Korean-style pan-fried meatball) at affordable prices. Don't miss the savory yukhoe (Korean beef tartare) and the tangy hongeomuchim (skate salad) as well.
- Address: 5 Jongno 32-gil, Jongro-gu, Seoul (서울특별시 종로구 종로32길 5)
- Operating hours: 11:00-21:00
[Oeam Pajeon Sangjeon]
A jeon spot in Oeam Folk Village where even locals line up to eat. It is famous for its large haemulpajeon (seafood and green onion pancake), grilled to perfection on a hot plate by a master chef. The traditional village setting further enhances the flavors and dining experience.
- Address: 1F, Building 14, 1030-14 Oeam-ro, Songak-myeon, Asan-si, Chungcheongnam-do (충청남도 아산시 송악면 외암로 1030-14 14동 1층)
- Operating hours: 10:00-19:30
2. Yakgwa
- Traditional Yakgwa ⓒPhoto Korea-Toraii Republic
- Modern Premium Yakgwa ⓒMannadang
Yakgwa is a traditional Korean confection made by pressing wheat flour dough mixed with sesame oil and grain syrup into decorative molds, then deep-frying it until golden. You can find yakgwa at major traditional markets in Seoul and across the country. Recently, neo-retro cafes have been reinterpreting this classic treat, offering modern versions tailored to contemporary tastes.
Recommended Yakgwa Spots
[Mannadang]
A confectionery that has preserved the tradition of gungjung byeonggwa (royal court desserts) once enjoyed by Korean kings since 1963. They offer a variety of hangwa (traditional Korean sweets) reinterpreted for modern palates, including daeyakgwa (large honey cookie), daemogwa (large quince cookie), and daemandugwa (large dumpling-shaped cookie).
- Address: No. 101, 1F, 61 Nonhyeon-ro 175-gil, Gangnam-gu, Seoul (서울특별시 강남구 논현로175길 61 1층 101호)
- Operating hours: Monday-Saturday 10:00-18:00 (Closed on Sundays)
[Soobekdam]
A café that creatively combines traditional hangwa with modern desserts. Their signature items include moyakgwa, a square-shaped yakgwa made with pastry techniques, and moyakgwarong, a variation that layers moyakgwa like macarons filled with buttercream.
- Address: 1F, 7 Myeongnyun-ro, Gangneung-si, Gangwon-do (강원특별자치도 강릉시 명륜로 7 1층)
- Operating hours: 12:00-22:00 (Closed on Wednesdays)
3. Songpyeon
- Five-Color Songpyeon ⓒGetty Image Bank
- Songpyeon with Assorted Fillings ⓒClipart Korea
Songpyeon is the quintessential Korean rice cake associated with Chuseok. Made from freshly harvested rice, the dough is filled with beans, sesame seeds, chestnuts, or red beans, and then shaped into delicate half-moon crescents. A distinctive feature is its subtle pine aroma, as the rice cakes are steamed over a bed of pine needles. Traditionally, songpyeon was made by families who gather to shape the rice cakes, sharing warmth and togetherness. According to Korean folklore, those who craft beautiful songpyeon are believed to be blessed with beautiful children.
Recommended Songpyeon Spots
[Nakwon Rice Cake Alley]
A rice cake alley in the Nagwon-dong area boasting nearly 100 years of tradition. You'll find a wide variety of options, including songpyeon, yakgwa, gyeongdan (sweet rice balls), and rainbow rice cake, allowing you to choose according to your taste.
- Address: Area of 71-1 Gyeongun-dong, Jongno-gu, Seoul (서울특별시 종로구 경운동 71-1 일원)
- Operating hours: Varies by venue
| A Special Way to Enjoy the Flavors and the Beauty of Autumn
Food always seems to taste better when enjoyed outdoors. Perhaps it's because the breeze, the sunlight, and the atmosphere serve as natural seasonings that can't be replicated indoors. This fall, set out to discover special ways to savor both the flavors and the beauty of the season.
1. Enjoying Autumn Night Markets
- A Panoramic View of K-Food Festival Knock! Knock!
- Sweet Nurungji Dakgangjeong ⓒK-Food Festival Knock! Knock!
Night markets entice visitors with plentiful food and lively entertainment. While every season has its own charm, autumn—with its cool, refreshing breeze—may well be the best season for night markets. Step into Korea’s autumn night markets where romantic fall vibes meet youthful energy, and enjoy an evening that delights all five senses.
Representative Autumn Night Markets
[K-Food Festival Knock! Knock!]
A special Korean food festival held every Friday, Saturday, and Sunday at Sejong-ro Park. This year’s lineup includes returning favorites such as injeolmi dakgangjeong (crispy glazed chicken with bean-powder-coated rice cake) and cream cheese-filled dried persimmon rolls, along with creative new fusion dishes like bulgogi banh mi and puffed rice ice cream.
- Address: Sejongno Park, 189 Sejong-daero, Jongno-gu, Seoul (서울특별시 종로구 세종대로 189 세종로공원)
- Operating hours: June 20 - December 31, 2025 / Friday-Sunday 16:00-21:00
- Website: knock-knock.kr/2024/
[Sumokwon Night Market]
A magical nighttime festival unfolds like a fairytale scene among Jeju's pine groves. Enjoy the enchanting Jeju nights with a variety of signature foods, including coconut fried shrimp, black pork gangjeong, and goindolgogi (stone-grilled beef inspired by dolmens).
- Address: 69 Eunsu-gil, Jeju-si, Jeju-do (제주특별자치도 제주시 은수길 69)
- Operating hours: Winter 18:00-22:00, Summer 18:00-23:00
- Website: www.sumokwonpark.com
[Donggu Yanolja]
If you're looking for one of the hottest spots in Daejeon, head to the night market at Jungang Market. The market is packed with attractions, from budget-friendly eats to eye-catching flea market stalls and exciting prize events.
- Address: Hwawol-tong Jungang Market area (in front of Parking Lot 3), 200-1 Jungang-ro, Dong-gu, Daejeon (대전광역시 동구 중앙로 200-1 중앙시장 화월통 일원 (제3주차장 앞))
- Operating hours: June 19 - October 25, 2025 / Friday–Saturday 18:00-22:00
[Seomun Night Market]
A vibrant night market stretches along a 350-meter street. Experience Daegu's nightlife with tempting bites such as butter-grilled seafood, marbled beef fried noodles, and makchanggui (grilled pork intestines), all while enjoying lively busking performances.
- Address: 50 Dalseong-ro, Jung-gu, Daegu (Seomun Market Station) (대구광역시 중구 달성로 50 서문시장역)
- Operating hours: Friday-Saturday 19:00-23:30 / Sundays 19:00-22:30
2. Picnicking at the Hangang River
- Autumn foliage at Yeouido Hangang Park ⓒSeoul Tourism Archive
- Picnic at Nodeul Island ⓒPhoto Korea-Ahn Yeong-gwan
When autumn arrives and the summer heat fades, Hangang parks fill with friends, couples, and families enjoying picnics together. Rent a picnic set from nearby vendors and enjoy a lighthearted outing with ease. You can savor the iconic Hangang ramyeon or have favorites like fried chicken and tteokbokki (spicy rice cakes) delivered right to your spot. The riverside paths are also ideal for strolling while taking in the city skyline or cycling along the waterfront.
Seoul's Representative Hangang Parks
[Yeouido Hangang Park]
- Address: 330 Yeuidodong-ro, Yeongdeungpo-gu, Seoul (서울특별시 영등포구 여의동로 330)
[Banpo Hangang Park]
- Address: 40 Sinbanpo-ro 11-gil, Seocho-gu, Seoul (서울특별시 서초구 신반포로11길 40)
[Mangwon Hangang Park]
- Address: 467 Maponaru-gil, Mapo-gu, Seoul (서울특별시 마포구 마포나루길 467)
[Ttukseom Hangang Park]
- Address: 704-1 Jayang-dong, Gwangjin-gu, Seoul (서울특별시 광진구 자양동 704-1)
>> View How to Enjoy the Hangang River to the Fullest
3. Experiencing Autumn Food Festivals
Cheongsong Apple Festival ⓒKorea Tourism Organization / Gwangju Kimchi Festival
When autumn arrives with its abundance of seasonal ingredients, food festivals bloom across the country. From apples, crabs, cabbage, and abalone to unique regional specialties, these festivals are brimming with delicious dishes and lively activities. Choose the region and flavors that appeal to you, and embark on a nationwide autumn culinary journey.
Representative Autumn Food Festivals in 2025
1. Ansan Daebu Grape Festival
- Address: Daebu Sea Fragrance Theme Park, 1546 Daebuhwanggeum-ro, Danwon-gu, Ansan-si, Gyeonggi-do (Daebu-bukdong) (경기도 안산시 단원구대부황금로 1546 (대부북동) 대부바다향기테마파크)
- Event period: September 19-21, 2025
- Website: www.대부포도축제.com
2. Imsil N Cheese Festival
- Address: 50 Doin 2-gil, Seongsu-myeon, Imsil-gun, Jeonbuk-do (전북특별자치도 임실군 성수면 도인2길 50 (성수면))
- Event period: October 8-12, 2025
- Website: www.imsilfestival.com
3. Hoengseong Hanu Festival
- Address: Seomjingang riverside around 221 Bukcheon-ri, Hoengseong-eup, Hoengseong-gun, Gangwon-do (강원특별자치도 횡성군 횡성읍 북천리 221 섬강둔치 일원)
- Event period: October 22-26, 2025
- Website: www.happyhanwoofestival.com
4. Cheongsong Apple Festival
- Address: Geumwol-ro area around Yongjeoncheon Stream and Hyeonbiam Rock around 269, Cheongsong-eup, Cheongsong-gun, Gyeongsangbuk-do (경상북도 청송군 청송읍 금월로 269 청송군 청송읍 용전천 현비암 일원)
- Event period: October 29 – November 2, 2025
- Website: csapplefestival.kr
5. Gwangju Kimchi Festival
- Address: Gwangju Metropolitan City Hall and outdoor concert hall area around 111 Naebang-ro, Seo-gu, Gwangju (광주광역시 서구 내방로 111 (치평동) 광주광역시청 및 야외음악당 일원)
- Event period: October 31 - November 2, 2025
- Website: kimchi.gwangju.go.kr
TIP. Journeying with Kimchi, the Star of Late Autumn Dining
Kimchi is an essential K-soul food that is ever-present on Korean dining tables. In late autumn, Koreans take part in kimgjang (also spelled gimjang)—the tradition of preparing large batches of kimchi to last through the winter. Recognized on the UNESCO Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity List, kimjang is a special practice where families and neighbors gather to share warmth and connection. Each region has its own distinctive kimchi, made with local specialty ingredients and unique methods. To enrich your trip to Korea, try learning to make and taste the many varieties of kimchi found across the country.
Exploring Korea's Representative Regional Kimchi
- Yeosu Gatkimchi (Mustard Leaf Kimchi): Known for its sharp yet tangy spiciness, Yeosu gatkimchi originated from a kimchi recipe that uses mustard leaves grown on Dolsando Island. This kimchi has such exceptional taste and quality, with a tender texture and pleasant aroma, that it was once presented as tribute to the king.
- Suncheon Godeulppaegi Kimchi (Bitter Lettuce Kimchi): Godeulppaegi (sonchus-leaf crepidiastrum) has a naturally strong bitterness and requires painstaking preparation before it can be used for kimchi. Its uniquely bitter-sweet savory flavor naturally makes you crave a bowl of rice.
- Seosan Maneuljjong Kimchi (Garlic Scape Kimchi): In Seosan, a region famous for its six-clove garlic, kimchi is made with garlic scapes. The bold, pungent spice combined with a crisp yet chewy texture makes it truly exceptional.
- 1330 Korea Travel Helpline: +82-2-1330
- 1330 Text Chat: https://m.site.naver.com/1rEid
- (Korean, English, Japanese, Chinese, Russian, Vietnamese, Thai, and Indonesian)
* This column was last updated in August 2025, and therefore information may differ from what is presented here. We advise you to check for updates before visiting.

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