Exploring Cheongcheon Traditional Market in Goesan
Exploring Cheongcheon Traditional Market
When you want to deeply understand a region, the first place that comes to mind is often a traditional market. It naturally embodies the rhythms of daily life, seasonal changes, and the local produce. In Cheongcheon-myeon, Goesan-gun, North Chungcheong Province, there is a market that has long served as the center of the community: Cheongcheon Pureunnae Market.
Cheongcheon Pureunnae Market is not just a simple permanent market; it is a living space shaped by a long history. Its origins trace back to the late 17th century. After the tomb of the scholar Song Si-yeol was relocated in 1697, his descendants donated 300 nyang to establish a marketplace in collaboration with local scholars and residents in 1779. Thanks to its rich natural environment and abundant forest resources, the area has been known for its diverse forest products, particularly mushrooms.
As you enter the market, shops line the arcade-like alleys beneath the roof. Around 100 stores offer agricultural products, forest goods, daily necessities, and food, operating as a traditional market on the 5th and 10th of each month. Although many shops were closed when I visited, it allowed for a peaceful exploration of the market.
Mushrooms are undoubtedly the signature item of Cheongcheon Pureunnae Market. The region is known for its suitable conditions for mushroom cultivation, with a significant temperature difference and abundant forests. The mushrooms displayed in season are characterized by their rich aroma and excellent texture. From fresh to dried mushrooms, the variety is impressive, and a mushroom festival is held in the fall.
Another local delicacy not to be missed is olgaengi (freshwater snails). Grown in clean waters, olgaengi is a representative local ingredient, known as dasilgi in Chungcheong Province. Olgaengi soup has long been loved as a hangover remedy and nutritious dish, easily found in nearby restaurants.
Even though it wasn't market day, the few open shops provided enough atmosphere to appreciate the market's unique charm. I believe visiting on market days would offer a richer experience with more sights and tastes.
Restaurants are clustered outside the market, most featuring dishes that utilize local specialties like mushroom cuisine and olgaengi soup, making it a great stop for meals even on non-market days.
One notable spot is the Pureunnae Cafe and Tourist Lounge. Established as part of a traditional market specialization project, it operates from 7:30 AM to 8 PM, providing a comfortable resting place for market visitors.
The interior is neatly organized, making it a pleasant space regardless of the season or weather. It’s a great spot to relax with a cup of tea after shopping or dining.
There is a bookshelf that gives it a cozy, small cafe feel, and a blood pressure monitor is available for residents to check their health, which is a thoughtful touch.
The cafe features a vending machine offering coffee, lattes, fruit teas, and energy drinks, with reasonably priced Americano options.
The tourist lounge also showcases local specialty products, with mushrooms as the central theme. From mushroom-shaped keychains to Cheongcheon shiitake soy sauce and shiitake rice sets, the products reflect the region's character and are perfect for gifts.
The building housing the Pureunnae Cafe also includes a customer support center to assist both merchants and visitors.
Next door, a spacious parking lot and the Cheongcheon bus terminal make public transport convenient for traveling to nearby areas like Goesan and Jeungpyeong. Well-maintained public restrooms are also available, making it easy to stop by during your travels.
Cheongcheon Pureunnae Market naturally fulfills the role of a space to explore local specialties, enjoy hearty meals, and take a break. Visiting on the 5th and 10th will allow you to experience the vibrant daily life of Cheongcheon-myeon firsthand.
Source :https://blog.naver.com/goesan-gun/224181657439
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