Top Local Dishes & Where to Try Them in Cheongju, Korea, South

1. Cheongju Nakji-jjim (Steamed Baby Octopus)

Tender baby octopuses slow-cooked in soy sauce and ginger broth. Experience the unique texture of chewy tentacles.

Local Ingredient: Uses freshly caught baby octopus from the surrounding areas
Cultural Significance: A traditional dish that dates back to the Joseon Dynasty
Taste and Texture: Offers a unique combination of flavors and textures

A nutritious and flavorful soup made with ginseng, chicken, and glutinous rice. It is believed to improve vitality.

Local Ingredient: Uses high-quality Korean ginseng
Cultural Significance: A symbol of health and prosperity in Korean cuisine
Taste Profile: Has a sweet, aromatic flavor with a hearty texture from the chicken

A unique round-shaped bread filled with red bean paste or sweet potato. A must-try local delicacy.

Soft, tender rice cakes grilled with a sweet and spicy sauce. Perfect for sharing with friends.

Local Ingredient: Uses locally made glutinous rice cakes
Cultural Significance: A staple dish during special occasions and festivals in Korea
Flavor Profile: Combines sweet, savory, and spicy flavors in each bite

Soft steamed eggs seasoned with salt and topped with anchovies. Savor the ocean's flavor in this dish.

Local Ingredient: Uses freshly caught anchovies from the nearby coast
Cultural Significance: A popular side dish in Korean cuisine
Taste Profile: Features a subtle saltiness from the anchovies and a creamy texture from the eggs

Tender chicken feet simmered in a ginseng-infused broth. A unique and healthy dish to try.

Local Ingredient: Uses high-quality Korean ginseng
Cultural Significance: A traditional dish that symbolizes health and long life in Korea
Taste Profile: Offers a unique texture with a subtle sweetness from the ginseng broth

Tender and juicy duck slow-cooked in a savory soy sauce broth. A luxurious dish for any occasion.

Local Ingredient: Uses free-range ducks raised on local farms
Cultural Significance: A classic dish enjoyed during special occasions in Korea
Taste Profile: Features a rich, savory flavor with tender and juicy meat

Tender and flavorful abalone slow-cooked in a savory soy sauce broth. A luxury seafood dish.

Local Ingredient: Uses freshly caught abalone from the nearby coast
Cultural Significance: A dish that signifies wealth and luxury in Korean cuisine
Taste Profile: Offers a rich, oceanic flavor with a tender texture

A unique rice cake dish made from glutinous rice and chestnuts. A tasty treat to try in Cheongju.

Local Ingredient: Uses locally grown glutinous rice and chestnuts
Cultural Significance: A traditional dish that dates back to the Joseon Dynasty
Taste Profile: Features a sweet and slightly nutty flavor with a chewy texture

A traditional fermented seafood dish made with fish, shellfish, and vegetables. A flavorful and nutritious side dish.

Local Ingredient: Uses locally caught seafood and vegetables
Cultural Significance: A staple dish in Korean cuisine, often served during special occasions
Taste Profile: Features a complex flavor profile with umami, sourness, and saltiness

A savory rice cake wrapped in lotus leaves and steamed. A unique dish that showcases the flavors of Korea.

Local Ingredient: Uses locally grown rice and lotus leaves
Cultural Significance: A traditional dish that dates back to the Joseon Dynasty
Taste Profile: Offers a subtle sweetness and savory flavor from the rice and seasonings

Small, round rice cakes filled with sweet fillings like red bean paste or chestnut powder. A popular treat during Chuseok.

Local Ingredient: Uses locally grown glutinous rice
Cultural Significance: A traditional dish enjoyed during Chuseok, the Korean Thanksgiving holiday
Taste Profile: Features a sweet and slightly nutty flavor from the fillings

Slices of fresh beef served with garlic, pear, and sesame oil. A unique and flavorful dish to try.

Local Ingredient: Uses locally raised beef
Cultural Significance: A traditional dish that symbolizes wealth and luxury in Korean cuisine
Taste Profile: Offers a delicate flavor with a slight sweetness from the pear and garlic

A sweet rice drink made from glutinous rice and fermented rice. A refreshing beverage to accompany meals.

Local Ingredient: Uses locally grown glutinous rice
Cultural Significance: A traditional beverage in Korean cuisine, often served with meals
Taste Profile: Features a sweet and slightly fermented flavor

A savory pancake made from mung beans and seasoned with scallions and perilla leaves. A tasty street food to try.

Local Ingredient: Uses locally grown mung beans
Cultural Significance: A popular street food in Korea
Taste Profile: Features a savory flavor with a slightly sweet and nutty taste from the mung beans