Top Local Dishes & Where to Try Them in Ch’ŏngjin, Hambuk, Korea, North

1. Ch'ongjin Naengguk (Cold Noodles)

Refreshing buckwheat noodle dish served in a spicy broth. A must-try during Ch'ongjin's hot summer.

Traditional round rice cake made from glutinous rice flour and filled with sweet or savory fillings.

Authenticity: Prepared according to centuries-old recipes.
Variety of Fillings: Fillings range from sweet red bean paste to savory meat and vegetable combinations.
Street Food Option: Available at street food stalls for an authentic experience.

A hearty dish of stir-fried pork served with rice and pickled vegetables.

Traditional dish of fermented cabbage and seasonal vegetables, preserved during fall and winter.

Cultural Significance: Signifies the start of the winter season.
Fermentation Process: Uses a natural fermentation process, enhancing its nutritional value.
Versatility: Can be used as a side dish or ingredient in other dishes.

Noodle dish stir-fried with black bean paste and vegetables. A popular comfort food in Ch'ongjin.

Unique Black Bean Paste: Made locally, featuring a distinct flavor.
Meat Options: Offered with various proteins, including pork, chicken, and seafood.
Vegetarian Version: Available without meat for vegetarian travelers.

Warming rice cake soup made with seafood and vegetables. A comforting dish for cold days.

Savory pancake filled with various ingredients like seafood and vegetables.

Versatility: Can be found in both sweet and savory varieties.
Ingredient Combos: Offers a variety of ingredient combinations to suit individual tastes.
Portion Size: Generous portions ideal for sharing.

Traditional Korean blood sausage made from cow or pig's intestines stuffed with rice, vegetables, and organs.

Authenticity: Prepared according to traditional methods.
Cultural Significance: An essential part of Korean culinary heritage.
Street Food Option: Available at street food stalls for an authentic experience.

Savory egg pancake filled with green onions and served with soy sauce.

Delicious dumplings filled with meat and vegetables, served with a spicy dipping sauce.

Handmade Artistry: Artfully crafted by skilled chefs.
Customization: Can be made with various protein fillings.
Dipping Sauce Variety: Offered with a variety of sauces, including spicy and non-spicy options.

Traditional steamed rice cake served with spicy sauce and pickled vegetables.

Crispy fried pork served with a sweet and sour sauce.

Unique Sauce: A tangy, sweet-and-sour sauce unlike any other.
Meat Options: Available with various proteins, including chicken and seafood.
Portion Size: Generous portions ideal for sharing.

Refreshing cold noodle soup served with a spicy broth and vegetables.

Hearty seafood stew made with a spicy broth and vegetables.

Assortment of traditional Korean sweets made with honey, rice flour, and sesame seeds.