Gwangyang City Invites Food Tourists to Experience the Flavors of Gwangyang to Beat the Sambok Heat

Beat the Heat with Gwangyang Bulgogi and Charcoal-Grilled Chicken
Restore Your Appetite with Gijeongtteok and Plum Tea

With just one week left until Chobok (July 15), the first of the summer’s three hottest days, Gwangyang City in Jeonnam Gwangju Unified Metropolitan City has begun promoting its signature local cuisine as part of a campaign to boost gastronomic tourism and help visitors replenish their energy during the hot season.

Traditionally, the custom of “yiyeolchiyeol”—restoring energy by eating hot foods during the peak of summer’s heat—has been practiced during Sambok. In Gwangyang, popular summer dishes include Gwangyang Bulgogi and Gwangyang Chicken Barbecue, both grilled over real charcoal, as well as Gwangyang Gijeongtteok rice cakes and Gwangyang Plum Tea.

Charcoal-grilled Gwangyang chicken skewers roasted over natural charcoal. Provided by Gwangyang City

Gwangyang Bulgogi, the city’s most representative local specialty, is made from thinly sliced beef marinated and grilled over charcoal. The Gwangyang Bulgogi Specialty Street, which stretches along the Seocheon riverside in Gwangyang-eup, is lined with bulgogi restaurants and has become a must-visit culinary destination for tourists.

Gwangyang Chicken Barbecue is a dish that combines the clean flavor of charcoal-grilled chicken, the aroma of the charcoal, and a pleasantly chewy texture. Rich in protein, it is especially popular among families and gourmet travelers looking to restore their stamina during the summer.

Gwangyang Gijeongtteok, a traditional local rice cake, is made from carefully selected Korean rice naturally fermented with Makgeolli. It is known for its moist, soft, and chewy texture, making it an easy treat enjoyed by people of all ages. Many visitors buy it as a snack for the road or as a gift.

Gwangyang's representative specialty, plums, are known for being rich in citric acid and other organic acids, and are even mentioned in the Donguibogam, an ancient Korean medical text. Plum tea and plum-based beverages made from these plums are enjoyed in summer for quenching thirst and restoring vitality, and are also favored for their appetite-boosting flavor.

Lee Hyunjoo, head of the city’s tourism division, commented, “Sambok is a season in which we replenish our energy and enjoy a healthy summer through our unique food culture. I hope everyone will taste Gwangyang’s signature dishes and have a healthy summer.”

This content was produced with the assistance of AI translation services.