An Introduction To Delicious Jeollanam-do Food
Jeollanam-do, located in the southwest tip of South Korea, is the country's fifth-largest province. With its dynamic culture and traditional customs, it's no surprise that the regional cuisine has unique flavors that make it stand out from the rest of the country. This article will introduce the five most distinctive dishes you can find when you visit Jeollanam-do and take a deep dive into their flavor profiles.
Hangwa
The first traditional dish of Jeollanam-do that visitors should try is Hangwa, also known as traditional Korean sweets. Hangwa is made with ingredients such as sweet potato starch, buckwheat, sesame seeds, and cornstarch, shaped into decorative flower and animal figures.
Hangwa is usually served as snacks or after a meal, either as part of a full meal or as a separate course. Different shapes indicate different occasions, such as dragonflies representing birthdays or butterflies for anniversaries.
Gimjang
Gimjang is the traditional way of pickling vegetables and storing them for the winter. In the past, gimjang was practiced as a community activity by the family, neighbors, and friends helping one another. The key ingredients are called geotjeori, which consists of napa cabbage, korean radishes, and hot pepper paste mixed with seasonings such as garlic, ginger, onion, and sugar.
This pickling method was originally practiced so that families could use their vegetables throughout the cold winter months, without access to fresh produce. Today, gimjang is still popular, making it a great dish to sample while visiting Jeollanam-do.
Jeon
Jeon are Korean pancakes, with various ingredients like beef, pork, shellfish, kimchi, and vegetables. These pancakes are usually cooked in a pan with sesame oil, making them crunchy and crispy on the outside and juicy in the middle.
The most popular jeon dish in Jeollanam-do is heukimjeon, which is made with black sesame powder. This dish can be made with various ingredients, such as pork, kimchi, and vegetables. It is often enjoyed at special occasions, such as Lunar New Year or Chuseok (Korean Thanksgiving), and can be found in Jeon restaurants or street food vendors.
Haejangguk
Haejangguk is a Korean soup that is best known for its hangover-fighting properties. This hearty soup, made with cured beef brisket and napa cabbage, is said to help the body recover from a night of drinking. It is cooked in a beef broth and is often garnished with eggs, leeks, and zucchini.
This traditional Korean dish of Jeollanam-do is not only good for curing that morning-after feeling, but it also offers a delicious flavor. It is a great way to warm up on a cold winter’s day.
Sundae
Sundae is a traditional Korean sausage made from pork intestines and glutinous rice. It is commonly served in a soup with kimchi, pickled vegetables, bean sprouts, and boiled potatoes and topped with perilla seeds, sesame oil, and hot pepper flakes.
The Korean sausage's flavor is savory and spicy, making it the perfect accompaniment to a hearty soup. This dish may be off-putting to some due to its innards, but if you're looking for a delicious experience, don't miss sundae when visiting Jeollanam-do.
Conclusion
When traveling to Jeollanam-do, it is essential to try the local foods to get a taste of the region's culture. From the sweet and crunchy Hangwa to the hearty and spicy Haejangguk, there are a variety of traditional flavors and dishes to experience. Whether you’re looking to try something new or revisit an old favorite, Jeollanam-do has something for everyone.