Jang Dong-yoon explores local seafood and Haebangpung greens in Pohang

Actor Jang Dong-yoon visited Homigot, Pohang, to sample seasonal wild seafood and Haebangpung greens at a restaurant that has operated for 30 years. During the visit, Jang tasted sea hare and shared how his intervention in a convenience store robbery led to his news debut.

Actor Jang Dong-yoon experienced the essence of wild seafood against the backdrop of the pristine seas of Pohang. In a video released by TVCHOSUN JOY, Jang Dong-yoon visited Homigot, Pohang, to encounter seasonal local seafood and Haebangpung greens.

A 30-year tradition of "If it is not wild, we will close for the day"

A restaurant located along the winding coastal roads of Pohang displays a sign stating, "If it is not wild, we will close for the day." Having grown up under a fisherman father and a female diver (haenyeo) mother, the owner has been preparing meals using ingredients from the Pohang sea for 30 years, excluding filler ingredients to compose tables solely with items harvested directly from the ocean.

Upon visiting the restaurant, Jang Dong-yoon expressed surprise at seeing snow crabs and various fish filling the aquariums. Depending on the season, various types of wild sashimi such as bol-bari, kkol-la, and jang-ga-ja-mi are served, with the local flavor specifically delivered through "saekkosi," a style of sashimi eaten with the bones.

'Haebangpung' grown in seaside sands and challenges with unfamiliar seafood

The Haebangpung greens, grown in the sandy areas by the seaside, drew attention during this meal. Characterized by a deep aroma from growing in the sea breeze, the Haebangpung was served alongside seafood such as hijiki, seaweed, and sea hare, all personally harvested by the owner.

Experiencing Haebangpung for the first time, Jang Dong-yoon remarked on the taste, saying, "The fragrance of the windbreak herb that overcame the sea breeze is deep." He then challenged himself to try sea hare (a type of sea slug), a seafood considered precious enough to be placed on ritual tables. After dipping the sea hare, which had an unfamiliar appearance, into red chili paste, Jang Dong-yoon reacted to the taste being better than expected.

Additionally, the combination of traditional sauce known locally as "ppeok-ppeok-jang" served with kelp provided Jang Dong-yoon with a sense of familiarity similar to flavors eaten at home. The meal, combining the weather of Pohang enjoyed outdoors with wild seafood, fully conveyed the local flavors.

The "news debut" story of helping apprehend a convenience store robber

During the meal, Jang Dong-yoon revealed his unique debut story. It was mentioned that while he was an ordinary university student majoring in economics, he became the protagonist of a "news debut" when his bold intervention in a convenience store robbery helped lead to the apprehension of the robber, an event that was reported on the news. His fearless personality and passion eventually led to his life as an actor.

Source: TVCHOSUN JOY (YouTube)