Going for Chodang Tofu, the Traditional Flavor Loved by Koreans

Chodang tofu is made using seawater as a natural coagulant, and its birthplace, Chodang Sundubu Village in Chodang-dong, is widely loved for its healthy and delicious tofu. During the summer months when it is easy to lose one's appetite and energy, indulge in the unique charms offered by each tofu restaurant, ranging from clean, mild soft tofu (sundubu) to seafood jjamppong sundubu that captures modern palates. After a satisfying meal, it is great to take a stroll to the Site of Heo Nanseolheon's Birthplace, the pine forest, and Gyeongpoho Lake.

Along the way

1. 1

   Chodang Sundubu Village

   초당두부마을

   Heading a short distance south from Gyeongpo Beach brings you to Chodang Sundubu Village, renowned for its soft tofu. Chodang sundubu, the most famous food in Gangneung, is made by grinding soybeans and curdling them through multiple steps using clean seawater from the East Sea, resulting in an exceptionally soft and savory flavor. Visitors can savor a variety of tofu dishes including sundubu (soft tofu), dubu jeongol (tofu hot pot), and modeum dubu (assorted tofu platter). The village name, Chodang, was taken from the pen name (a name created according to the custom of avoiding the use of one's given name) of Heo Yeop [許曄, 1517–1580], father of the famous Korean novelist and poet Heo Gyun [許筠, 1569–1618] and the renowned female poet Heo Nanseolheon [許蘭雪軒, 1563–1589]. Today, the site of the house where Heo Gyun and Heo Nanseolheon lived remains in this village.MoreLess

   

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2. 2

   Site of Heo Nanseolheon's Birthplace

   허난설헌 생가터

   Located in Gangneung, Gangwon-do, the Site of Heo Nanseolheon's Birthplace is a site established to honor the artistic spirit and literary achievements of Heo Nanseolheon, the foremost female writer of the Joseon Dynasty. The sister of Heo Gyun, author of The Tale of Hong Gildong, she demonstrated a genius poetic talent starting at the age of 8, but died prematurely at age 27. She comforted her unfortunate personal circumstances with delicate writing; after her death, her younger brother Heo Gyun gathered some of her works and published the Nanseolheonjip. Restored in 2001, the birthplace takes the form of a typical noble family (sadaebu) hanok emerging past a beautiful pine forest.MoreLess

   

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3. 3

   Heo Nanseolheon Pine Forest

   허난설헌 솔숲

   Located in Gangneung, Gangwon-do, the Heo Nanseolheon Pine Forest is a dense pine grove surrounding the Site of Heo Nanseolheon's Birthplace. Heo Nanseolheon was Joseon's greatest female literary figure who died young at 27 and was the sister of Heo Gyun, author of The Tale of Hong Gildong. The clean front yard where Heo Nanseolheon ran and played with her younger brother Heo Gyun until the age of 7 directly touches this wide pine forest. With cool, fragrant pine breezes blowing year-round, it is a popular destination for family travelers. In 2010, the Heo Nanseolheon Pine Forest received the honor of winning the 'Beautiful Harmony Award' and 'Beautiful World Award' at the National Beautiful Forest Contest jointly organized by the civic environmental group Forest for Life, Yuhan-Kimberly, and the Korea Forest Service. In addition to the birthplace, a memorial hall and a park are situated nearby, offering plenty of sights to see. Furthermore, the Heo Nanseolheon Cultural Festival and the Heo Gyun Cultural Festival are held here every spring and autumn to honor the two literary figures.MoreLess

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4. 4

   Gyeongpoho Lake

   경포호

   Gyeongpoho Lake earned its name meaning 'clear and beautiful like a mirror.' Along the East Coast, there are many lagoons formed when sandbars blocked the sea, and Gyeongpoho is one of them. Spring at Gyeongpoho is defined by cherry blossoms. Blossoming after the southern region's cherry blossoms have fallen, the cherry blossoms of Gyeongpoho signal the peak of spring.\n\nWhenever a spring breeze flutters, the light pink petals scatter in the wind like snowflakes, unfolding a wonderland. The cherry blossoms are as fluffy as cotton candy. The white blossoms guide travelers as if laying down a carpet of white clouds. Walk along the lakeside trail while watching thousands of petals dance before your eyes. Rest areas and observatories are installed throughout the area, making it an ideal place to stroll and relax.MoreLess

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