Life Unfolding Along the Waterway
The winding Geumgang River meanders between the mountain ridges,
spreading out large and small waterways throughout Okcheon. The
braided streams flowing into the Geumgang River have also passed
through villages and fields along the way, remaining a close
part of the daily lives of the people. Where the waterways flow,
land for farming is created, and villages take root. People have
naturally lived in harmony with the river, catching fish and
gathering by the water’s edge to cool off during the sweltering
summers.
River fishing is a scene that vividly reflects the daily lives
of people who have lived close to the waterways, holding
significance beyond merely going out to the stream to catch
freshwater fish, and then boiling or grilling them on the spot
to share with neighbors. It also encompasses the joy of people
socializing together. The time spent adding a personal touch to
the fish harvested from the water and gathering around to share
food has created local dishes unique to Okcheon over time. Fish
noodles, deep-fried minnows with a spicy glaze, and fried Goby
Minnow fully reflect the lives and memories of the people who
have lived alongside the Geumgang River and Bocheongcheon
Stream.
Fish noodles
The Simplicity of River Fishing Rediscovered through Local Flavors
At the eastern end of Okcheon, high mountain ridges provide a
spectacular backdrop, while the waters of Bocheongcheon Stream
meander beneath them. The place where the stream flows out of
a mountain valley to form a gentle basin and spreads out into
a vast field is Cheongsan-myeon, where people and goods have
gathered since ancient times. To the people who have settled
here, the river has been both a cradle of life and a precious
lifeline. In the summer, the village elders have gathered by
the stream to enjoy fishing. The entire village comes
together, puts freshwater fish into large pots, boils them
thoroughly until the bones crumble, adding spicy gochujang
seasoning to make spicy fish stew, and then gathering around
to enjoy the feast. The addition of thin noodles, which absorb
the thick broth well, makes the delicious fish noodle soup.
The simple flavors of river fishing, once shared only with
neighbors, was rediscovered as a local specialty in the early
1960s as more and more specialized restaurants opened in the
market street of Cheongsan-myeon. The restaurants opened in
the Fish Noodle Specialty Street created in 2018 have welcomed
customers for over half a century. The rich broth, infused
with deep culinary expertise, permeates the still-soft
noodles, delivering a savory and profound taste that
intensifies with every chew.
Deep-fried minnows with a spicy glaze
Fried Goby Minnows
A Delicacy Capturing Memories of the Riverside
Deep-fried minnows with a spicy glaze (Dori Bangbang in
Korean), another local specialty of Okcheon, is also deeply
rooted in the history of simple river fishing enjoyed by the
riverside. It originated from a dish made by arranging
freshwater fish, caught in the clear currents of the
Bocheongcheon Stream or Geumgang River during the summer, in a
circular pattern in a flat, round pan, and grilling them. The
dish was given the endearing name of Dori Bangbang because its
circular arrangement resembles the shape of people sitting
around in circles. Well-cleaned freshwater fish are arranged
in a circle in a frying pan and grilled until crispy, then
brushed with a spicy and sweet gochujang sauce to add a glossy
sheen.
The savory flavor and crispy texture of eating the fish whole,
bone and all, mask the fishy smell of freshwater fish, while
the spicy seasoning and the fragrant aroma of perilla leaves
combine to create a magnificent delicacy. Deep-fried minnows
with a spicy glaze, grilled to a golden brown in a round fan
shape, vividly conveys to those who have not experienced those
times a sense of warmth of people gathering in a circle to
share affection.
Fried Goby Minnow (Maju twigim in Korean) is another delicacy
travelers must try in Okcheon. The Goby minnow, a freshwater
fish caught in the Geumgang River and Bocheongcheon Stream and
known locally as “Maju,” is characterized by its firm flesh
and minimal earthy smell. Fried Goby Minnow is made by
cleaning the fish, coating it thinly in batter, and frying it
until golden brown and crispy. It has a crispy exterior and a
moist interior, and as you chew, a mild and nutty flavor
spreads intensely in one’s mouth. This fried dish, which has
been established as a local specialty of Cheongsan-myeon
market alley, together with fish noodles and deep-fried
minnows with a spicy glaze, captivates travelers as a delicacy
that perfectly captures the pleasure of eating freshly caught
fish and serves as a savory accompaniment to alcohol.
The simple flavors of river fishing,
once
shared only with neighbors,
was rediscovered as a
local specialty in the early 1960s
as
more and more
specialized restaurants
opened in the market street of
Cheongsan-myeon.