Jeonju resident Oh Ji-eun shares local gourmet guide in VIVO TV video

In a VIVO TV video, Jeonju resident Oh Ji-eun guides Song Eun-i through an "agari course" featuring local favorites like Migaok's bean sprout soup and early-morning bakery Rensi Bake.

The restaurants recommended by Jeonju locals differ significantly from typical tourist courses. In a video released by VIVO TV, Jeonju resident Oh Ji-eun guided Song Eun-i through a so-called "agari course"—a route emphasizing the joy of eating—that captures the flavors and charms of Jeonju.

"Local restaurants close at the same time": Migaok's bean sprout soup

While bibimbap is frequently mentioned as a representative food of Jeonju, locals point to bean sprout soup as the true protagonist. Noting that "while there are many famous places, the bean sprout soup restaurants locals visit all close at the same time," Oh Ji-eun headed to Migaok, a restaurant frequented by regulars.

The menu at Migaok is simple, featuring bean sprout soup as the base with the option to add squid. This setup, which allows squid to be ordered separately to suit individual tastes, enables flexible choices when visiting in groups. On this day, the group enjoyed their soup by adding half an order of squid. The meticulous cooking method was evident during the meal; the restaurant uses a "toryeom" process, where a small amount of rice is placed in an earthenware pot and hot broth is poured over it to adjust the temperature, finished with freshly sliced green onions and garlic as garnishes to enhance flavor. Oh Ji-eun explained, "The garlic and green onion are the key (kick) that balances the flavor." Additionally, the traditional method of protecting the stomach with a warm poached egg before eating was also shared.

The accompanying side dishes add to the enjoyment of the meal. The seasoned salted squid pairs well with white rice, and the soup is characterized by a deep flavor that combines the crunchiness of bean sprouts with the savory taste of soybean curd. Oh Ji-eun evaluated the texture of the bean sprouts at this location as exceptional, noting they are neither too large nor too small.

A sweet journey filled with chestnuts: The sell-out lines at Rensi Bake

The journey continued after the meal with desserts capturing the seasonal feel of Jeonju. While moving, the group enjoyed the chestnuts of Jeonju by tasting chestnut bread, chestnut yogurt, and roasted chestnuts. In particular, the chestnut yogurt, which contains 85% milk and 9% chestnut, offers a savory and sour taste, while the freshly baked, crispy chestnut bread provides a texture different from typical walnut cakes. The group continued the taste of Jeonju by purchasing peeled chestnuts sold near the market.

The final destination of the trip was the famous bakery Rensi Bake. This location is so popular that it must be visited early in the morning to make a purchase, and it is known among locals as a place where one must worry about items selling out. In the video, the enthusiasm for Jeonju's local gourmet spots was confirmed by the sight of the group joining lines or searching for the store to buy bread.

A record of Jeonju, a city where tradition and modernity coexist

This journey went beyond mere eating, leading to a process of tracing the cultural context of Jeonju. At the Jeonju-related corner in the independent bookstore Todak Todak, the affection for the restaurant was confirmed through the writings of an author who recorded Migaok. These records include stories starting from October 8, 2022, the day the author first learned about Migaok, showing a deep bond between the restaurant and its fans.

Oh Ji-eun defined Jeonju as "a city where tradition and the present are appropriately harmonized." Based on the historical background that Yi Seong-gye's ancestral home is Jeonju, the conversation where Jeonju people humorously interpret their relationship with Yi Seong-gye added enjoyment in understanding the city's identity beyond a simple gourmet tour.

Source: original video (YouTube)