Welcome to your K-local food trip! The highlight of this culinary journey is Gochang’s renowned "Pungcheon Eel"—crispy on the outside, with a wonderfully rich, oily flavor inside.

Did you know freshwater eels, much like salmon, migrate between rivers and the ocean? Located in the Pungcheon area, where rivers flow into the sea, Gochang provides an optimal habitat for these migratory eels.

Freshwater eels are typically raised in farms, starting from young eels collected at sea. The region around Juchincheon Stream in Gochang is particularly famous for combining advanced farming techniques with an ideal natural environment, producing superior-quality eels. Thanks to these ideal conditions, Gochang has established itself as one of Korea’s leading freshwater eel producers, accounting for more than 30% of national production.

Interestingly, freshwater eel became a widely enjoyed delicacy relatively recently. Its popularity began in the 1970s when locals in Gochang first started grilling and selling "Pungcheon Eel." By the 1990s, eel had gained fame as an energizing and stamina-boosting food, turning the Seonunsa area into a nationwide hotspot for eel cuisine.

There are many delightful ways to savor "Pungcheon Eel." Grilled over charcoal and lightly seasoned with just a pinch of salt, it offers a wonderfully rich and smoky flavor. Or, for a completely different taste, wrap the eel in fresh greens such as lettuce or perilla leaves, and pair it with aromatic ginger and garlic to enjoy an exciting combination of textures and flavors.

In August and September, when the warmth of summer gently fades into autumn, Gochang brims with the rich flavors of "Pungcheon Eel." Come enjoy the deep, savory taste of this local delicacy amid Gochang's beautiful seasonal scenery.