Discovering Jeonju’s Hidden Culinary Gems with Korean Food Show ‘Ttoganjip’

Finally, the 맛집 (delicious restaurant) hunting show loved by Koreans, ‘Ttoganjip’ (또간집), has arrived in Jeonju! For viewers who have been wondering when 풍자 (Pungja) and the crew would visit this renowned city of taste, the wait is over. This episode promises a deep dive into the heart of Jeonju’s culinary scene, exploring beyond the typical tourist traps and uncovering local favorites.

Netflix Enters the Scene: ‘What to Watch on Netflix These Days?’ PPL

Before diving into the Jeonju 맛집 tour, there was an unexpected guest – Netflix! With a PPL segment promoting their campaign ‘What to Watch on Netflix These Days?’, the show hilariously integrated the streaming giant into their food adventure. 풍자 jokingly recommended ‘The Glory’, and they even created a corner called ‘Let’s Re-watch at Home’ (다시볼집), adding a unique and humorous touch to the episode. This collaboration highlights the growing intersection of Korean entertainment and global platforms like Netflix.

Jeonju 맛집 Exploration: From Baguette Burgers to Hearty Soups

The ‘Ttoganjip’ crew embarked on a quest to find Jeonju’s true culinary gems, guided by local recommendations and their own adventurous palates. Here are some of the 맛집s they visited:

Gilgeoriya (길거리야): The Unexpected Baguette Revelation

Their first stop, surprisingly, was a bakery called Gilgeoriya, famous for its baguette burger. Initially skeptical about trying bread in a city known for its traditional Korean cuisine, 풍자 was completely won over. The baguette, filled with vegetables and a hint of Cheongyang chili pepper, offered a unique and delightful flavor profile, described as a “taco-like” experience within a crispy baguette. Ultimately, Gilgeoriya was crowned as 풍자’s top pick for Jeonju, highlighting the unexpected delights hidden in this food city.

Menu Highlight: Baguette Burger (바게트 버거) – ₩5,000

Bonsonba (본소바): Soba and Black Soybean Noodle Soup Mastery

Recommended by locals, Bonsonba specializes in just two dishes: Soba and Kongguksu (soybean noodle soup). The Soba impressed with its simple yet profound taste, standing out from typical Soba variations with its clean and refreshing flavor, perfect for beating the summer heat. However, it was the Kongguksu that truly stole the show. Made with a blend of white and black soybeans, the blackish soup had a rich, savory, and slightly sweet flavor, reminiscent of a high-quality misugaru (Korean grain powder drink) with incredibly chewy and delicious noodles. 풍자 even declared Bonsonba’s Kongguksu superior to a famous Kongguksu restaurant they visited in Yeouido.

Menu Highlights: Soba (소바) – ₩9,000, Kongguksu (콩국수) – ₩10,000

Woojung Sikdang (우정식당): Heartwarming Kongnamul Gukbap and Moju

Acting on a local mother’s recommendation in Nambu Market, the team visited Woojung Sikdang for Kongnamul Gukbap (bean sprout soup with rice) and Moju (a traditional Korean drink similar to mulled makgeolli). The Kongnamul Gukbap was praised for its clean, deep, and refreshing broth, perfectly embodying the essence of Jeonju’s authentic flavors. The Moju, described as a “Korean Vin Chaud,” was a sweet and flavorful concoction of makgeolli and medicinal herbs, proving to be an excellent palate cleanser and appetizer.

Menu Highlights: Kongnamul Gukbap (콩나물국밥) – ₩8,000, Moju (모주) – ₩2,000 (per cup)

Dagayangjojang (다가양조장): Generosity and Flavor Overload at a 술집 (Pub)

Finally, ‘Ttoganjip’ ventured into Dagayangjojang, a local 술집 recommended by Jeonju natives. This place redefined the concept of generous service. Ordering the ‘Saecham’ set (₩33,000) unleashed an unending stream of dishes, including Bossam (boiled pork), Golbaengi Muchim (spicy sea snail salad), Buchimgae (Korean pancake), and even service dishes like Daga Rice (a Southeast Asian style fried rice), and Ramyeon. The quality of each dish was remarkable, especially the Golbaengi Muchim with its complex and flavorful sauce and the Bossam, reminiscent of homemade Kimjang season 수육 (boiled pork). The sheer volume and quality of food at Dagayangjojang exemplified the warm hospitality and abundance of Jeonju’s culinary culture.

Menu Highlight: Saecham Set (새참) – ₩33,000 (includes Bossam, Golbaengi Muchim, Buchimgae and various service dishes)

Conclusion: Jeonju – A True City of Taste

Through their Jeonju expedition, ‘Ttoganjip’ reaffirmed Jeonju’s reputation as a city brimming with culinary delights. From the surprising baguette burger at Gilgeoriya to the soul-warming Kongnamul Gukbap at Woojung Sikdang and the flavor-packed feast at Dagayangjojang, each stop revealed a unique facet of Jeonju’s 맛집 scene. While Gilgeoriya was ultimately chosen as 풍자’s ‘또갈집’ (re-visit restaurant) for its unique and memorable baguette, the entire journey through Jeonju proved to be a “죽음의 조” – a collection of exceptionally delicious and unforgettable dining experiences. For anyone planning a food trip to Korea, Jeonju should undoubtedly be at the top of the list.