'Culinary Class Wars' to Real-Life Delights: Your Guide to Taean, Korea!

 

Attention 'Culinary Class Wars' Fans! Discover Geukji and the Stunning Nature of Taean, Home of the Dish

Did you drool over 'Napoli Matfia' Chef Kwon Seong-jun's 'Geukji Pasta' while watching the globally popular 2024 Netflix show 'Culinary Class Wars'? What's the secret behind that unique, deep flavor?

Today, we're taking you on a journey to Taean, a beautiful coastal city in Chungcheongnam-do Province, which is the home of this internationally talked-about dish and boasts a variety of other charms. Just like the story behind the dish in the drama, Taean is filled with special experiences waiting to capture your heart!

'Culinary Class Wars' Sheds New Light on Geukji's Allure

In 'Culinary Class Wars,' 'Napoli Matfia' Chef Kwon Seong-jun's 'Geukji Pasta' received rave reviews from the judges, playing a pivotal role in his ultimate victory on the show. Judge Ahn Sung-jae even praised the dish's story, calling it "grandmother and chef, the most delicious recipe." Following the broadcast, Geukji once again garnered significant attention from food enthusiasts across Korea.

What is Geukji?

Geukji is a unique local dish from the Taean and Seosan regions of Chungcheongnam-do Province. Its origin dates back to times when food was scarce, and people would boil leftover soup from making ganjang gejang (soy-marinated crab) or scraps of kimchi and vegetables together, rather than discarding them. For this reason, it's considered a 'soul food' with a touch of sadness for locals.

This dish offers a rich, savory, and refreshing taste of crustaceans—a flavor you won't forget once you try it. Originally a type of kimchi, it evolved into its current stew-like form by adding water and boiling it. When you visit Taean, you'll find many Geukji restaurants serving the dish with fresh whole flower crabs and shrimp.

More Reasons to Visit Taean Beyond Geukji!

Taean is a destination with diverse charms that extend far beyond its delicious Geukji. It's easily accessible from the Seoul metropolitan area, offering a perfect escape from the bustling city to enjoy leisurely relaxation amidst its blue seas and beautiful nature.

Notably, with '2025 Taean Visit Year' underway, even more enriching tourist content is prepared, building anticipation. Don't just come for Geukji; enjoy the even richer charms of Taean during the 2025 Taean Visit Year! Taean's primary appeals lie in its breathtaking coastal scenery, healing spaces filled with diverse flora, and various themes offering unique experiences.

Enchanting Natural Landscapes Forged by the Coast

Taean's greatest charm is its unique and beautiful natural landscapes stretching along the west coast. Kkotji Beach, one of Korea's top three sunset spots, is renowned for its stunning sunset views over Halmi and Halabi Rocks, making it an iconic symbol of Taean. Unnyeo Beach is also a beloved spot for camping and car camping, thanks to the beautiful reflections of the sunset and stars in the lagoon that forms when the tide comes in.

The exotic Sinduri Coastal Dune, designated Natural Monument No. 431, is Korea's largest coastal dune. It creates a mystical atmosphere, feeling as if you've stepped into a desert, earning it the nickname 'Korea's Desert.' Be sure to capture some amazing photos against this exotic backdrop! Padori Sea Cave, naturally formed by waves, is famous for 'life-shot' photos with the sea as a backdrop, creating an ethereal ambiance. To enter, you must visit within an hour before or after low tide.

Healing Spaces with Diverse Flowers and Forests

Beyond its coast, Taean also welcomes visitors with beautifully maintained arboretums and forest trails. Cheongsan Arboretum showcases different charms each season, with red-tipped photinia in spring, lotus flowers in summer, and a pampas grass festival in autumn. It features various aquatic plants and a Metasequoia path, perfect for leisurely strolls. Farm Kamille Herb Garden is an exotic setting with about 200 types of herbs and 300 kinds of wildflowers, ideal for a peaceful walk. Solhyanggi-gil, a trekking course where you can enjoy the scent of pine and sea simultaneously, amidst lush pine forests and the West Sea, is a popular healing trail.

Special Experiences and Travel Themes

In addition to its beautiful scenery, Taean offers visitors unique experiences. It's particularly gaining attention as a pet-friendly tourist city, operating various pet programs like the 'Taean Daengdaeng Bus,' where you can create special memories with your beloved pet. 

Besides seasonal flower festivals, you can enjoy fishing experiences like catching webfoot octopus and explore numerous historical sites, as it's part of the Chungcheongnam-do region with Baekje Dynasty historical roots.

How Global Tourists Can Visit Taean

For international tourists, the most efficient and economical way to travel to Taean, South Korea, is by express bus. Depending on your starting point, you can travel as follows:

From Incheon International Airport (ICN) to Taean

Direct buses operate from Incheon International Airport to Taean, offering convenient travel.

• Mode of Transport: Direct Bus
• Departure Point: Incheon International Airport Terminal 1
• Arrival Point: Taean Public Bus Terminal
• Estimated Travel Time: Approximately 2 hours 40 minutes
• Frequency: Daily, every 3 hours
• Estimated Cost: Approximately ₩16,000 ~ ₩31,000 (USD 12-23)

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From Seoul City to Taean

If you are staying in Seoul, you can take a bus to Taean from various bus terminals. Among them, the Central City Terminal (Seoul Express Bus Terminal) has the most frequent departures.

• Mode of Transport: Express Bus
• Main Departure Point: Seoul Express Bus Terminal (most frequent service, buses depart hourly)
• Arrival Point: Taean Public Bus Terminal
• Estimated Travel Time: Approximately 2 hours 10 minutes (from Seoul Express Bus Terminal)
• Estimated Cost: Approximately ₩9,000 ~ ₩16,000 (USD 7-12)
• Tip: For convenient bus ticket booking, you can use the 'Express Bus T-money' app or the Kobus website (kobus.co.kr).

Discover Taean: Where Korean Flavors and Natural Beauty Await!

If 'Culinary Class Wars' sparked your curiosity about Geukji, now is your chance to visit Taean and experience the true essence of its unique flavors.

From Geukji with its abundance of fresh seafood to the stunning sunsets of the West Sea, exotic coastal dunes, and healing spaces blending fragrant flowers and forests, Taean promises to show you the diverse charms of Korea. Use the convenient transportation options to create unforgettable memories in Taean, the home of Geukji!