Hometown Flex: Episode 08 in Daejeon Recap
Is Daejeon really a boring city? On this episode of Hometown Flex, Daejeon natives Pak Se Ri, Han Da Gam, and Kim Jun Ho will bring the laughter and excitement. The fun meter in Daejeon will soar as the Seoul bumpkins, Cha Tae Hyun and Lee Seung Gi, discover the true hidden charms of the city along with the locals. Popular places and nostalgic memories will be revealed as the second story in Daejeon begins!
The Fun Tour of Daejeon Continues at Euneujeongi Street
It is late afternoon and the cast members are feeling a bit drowsy in the car as the sun is beginning to set. Jun Ho refrains from a nap to introduce the next spot, Euneujeongi Street of Culture (formerly known as Eunhaeng-dong). This is the downtown of Daejeon, a vibrant and bustling place where the youth go to eat, shop, and hang out. The cast is surprised by a special event Jun Ho prepared. A welcome message for Hometown Flex is displayed above on the Daejeon Sky Road. Anyone may apply online to display a special message making this a popular proposal spot. The Sky Road looks even more beautiful when lit up at night!
Kim Jun Ho's Pick: SUNG SIM DANG BAKERY 성심당
Sung Sim Dang is known as the most famous bakery in Daejeon! The bakery started out as a small steamed bun shop in 1956 and is now a must-visit spot for its variety of delicious baked goods. The members visit the first-ever location, the main branch in Eunhaeng-dong. One can find retro treats such as kkwabaegi (twisted donuts) to new trendy pastries such as cheese scones. The most popular items here are the deep-fried soboro bread that is filled with sweet red bean paste and the buchu-bbang which is a savory bun filled with meat and chives.
Jun Ho tells everyone to select and eat as much bread as they want. He is generously treating! Se Ri quickly picks out what she wants to eat showing everyone her choices saying "only this much." Tae Hyun laughs and teases her asking "only that much?" as the entire tray is already full of bread. At the checkout, Jun Ho tells them to put the bill on his tab as he is a honorary promotional ambassador for the city of Daejeon. Of course, he is only joking around and gladly pays for all the bread and pastries for the members.
Kim Jun Ho's Hometown Nostalgia: Roller Skating Rink
After purchasing bread, Jun Ho guides everyone down the street to a roller skating rink (Koongs Multi Game Land 쿵스게임랜드). The International Rink he once visited with his friends back in the 80s no longer exists now. Although this is not the same place, the roller rink is a place of nostalgic memories for him. This was a hugely popular trend! Everyone would go to the rink to meet with friends or lovers and skate along to trendy European dance music. The cool guys would show off their tricks and the girls would gather around to learn.
As Jun Ho continues to share stories from his youth, they take a break to snack on the bread from Sung Sim Dang Bakery. Seung Gi wonders if Jun Ho has any heartwarming moments here at the rink. Tae Hyun brings up that this is around the hour of the day when such stories are shared on the show making guests emotional. Jun Ho was not aware he needed to prepare something like that for himself and jokes about coming up with something that will get all their eyes teary.
After some banter, the members finally put on roller skates for some fun. Se Ri opts out as it can be dangerous for her shoulder condition if she falls. Seung Gi starts skating first and is quite good as he turns corners with ease. Da Gam glides around the rink swiftly and elegantly, the beautiful girl who would capture every guy's heart back in the day. Tae Hyun enters the rink and shows off the fancy tricks from the past. It is the first time in forever since he put on roller skates but easily remembers how to skate backwards, do spins, and toe stops!
Meanwhile, Jun Ho is the only one struggling to find his balance as he cannot even skate forward. Everyone starts to have doubts about Jun Ho's ability and questions if this is really his memories. He looks as if he has never been on skates before. Is this the big surprise to get everyone teary-eyed? Tears from all the laughter as they watch Jun Ho flailing around helplessly. Seung Gi and Da Gam teases him by playfully pushing him from behind only to make him cower in fear. Jun Ho eventually gives up and removes his skates in the middle of the rink. Perhaps memories are best left as just that. The reminiscing ends here.
Jun Ho insists he was a good skater in the past but says he is much more fearful now because of old age. Nobody is buying his story as they continue to poke fun at him. Da Gam concludes by saying she does not believe Jun Ho is from Daejeon nor has he ever skated before. Everyone laughs in agreement.
They come across a photo booth on the way out and decide to take some pictures together for memories. Just like old high school best friends, they have fun posing for cute and silly photos.
Han Da Gam's Local Food: Knife-Cut Noodles at SINDO KALGUKSU 신도칼국수
For dinner, Da Gam's pick is kalguksu (knife-cut noodle soup)! A brief background story is provided to explain how Daejeon became known for its kalguksu. After the Korean War, flour was given out as relief aid because of the rice shortage. Locals began using the flour to make noodles. At the time there was a small stand that sold garak guksu on the platform at Daejeon Station which serves as a main transfer hub for the nation. Travelers who pass through the station would stop to grab a quick bowl while waiting for their next train and that is how it all started.
Sindo Kalguksu is a popular restaurant in Daejeon that has been in operation since 1961. It is a certified traditional restaurant that has been passed down for 3 generations. This restaurant serves old-fashioned kalguksu, a taste of the old days with a refreshing broth and special toppings. The other popular menu item is the tofu duruchigi, plump tofu topped with a spicy vegetable and squid stir fry.
Since Daejeon is known for trains and transport, the game for dinner is an answer train game called "줄줄이 말해요" to be played by the entire group. A question prompt will be given and each person has to answer immediately one after the other starting from the 1st player to the 5th and reversing back to the 1st. There will be seven rounds and one menu item may be selected after each successful round.
The first prompt is to name famous places in Daejeon. They easily pass and earn their first dish. Jun Ho wants the tofu duruchigi while Se Ri argues for the large platter of suyuk. Jun Ho reminds her that she just scolded him a few minutes ago for wanting to order it as they had already eaten duck suyuk earlier in the day. Se Ri says they should start with a filling platter of meat as they do not know how many more dishes they can win. After the bickering, she eventually yields and agrees with ordering the tofu duruchigi.
For Round 2, the members decide on playing for a large bowl of kalguksu. The prompt is to name pro athletes like Pak Se Ri who have brought national prestige. They fail as Da Gam stares blankly and fails to give an answer. Jun Ho tells her to get it together as they begin Round 3. Another try for the kalguksu but Da Gam fails once again. As things are not working out, they make Da Gam switch seats to move to the end allowing her more time.
The PD gives them a choice of category as they struggle to pass and "cartoons" is chosen. The prompt is to name cartoon princesses and things go smoothly until they reach Da Gam again. She ends up repeating Se Ri's answer, "Elsa." Fail! Everyone is in shock while Da Gam did not even realize her mistake as she was too focused on giving her answer. Jun Ho jokes about dropping her off at Daejeon Station to send her back to Seoul.
The team has failed to win a bowl of kalguksu three times in a row now and are beginning to feel anxious. Da Gam is now moved to the first seat as Round 5 begins. The prompt is to name an idol group with 5 members or more. It ends with a clean finish this time and they successfully earn their first bowl of kalguksu!
Da Gam suggests they play for the suyuk next as they only have two more chances while the others want to go for another bowl of kalguksu. Jun Ho cleverly comes up with a pun using her name to tease her. He renames Da Gam as "Ma Gam," the game finisher putting an end to all of their games. Everyone bursts out in laughter as it is indeed fitting for the current situation.
Feeling sorry, the PD tries to help and allows them to choose from two categories again. They go with "celebrities" and the prompt is to name celebs from Daejeon. This time Se Ri struggles and is slow with her answer but the PD is lenient and allows it to pass so that they won't starve. After Tae Hyun answers, it turns around back to Se Ri but she blurts out "Han Ga Ram" instead of "Han Da Gam." The PD cannot shield it this time and repeats fail x4! They tease her for not knowing Da Gam's name after spending 12 hours together today. Se Ri apologizes as she is use to calling her Han Eun Jung (former name) and got mixed up under pressure.
Final round for the last chance to get one more bowl of kalguksu but Jun Ho messes up this time. Another fail! The final result is 1 tofu duruchigi and 1 large bowl of kalguksu for everyone to share. A shame as they can only have a little taste of the food.
The bowl of kalguksu arrives and everyone gets a taste. They are amazed by the chewy noodles and deep flavors of the earthy broth. Da Gam recommends adding a spoonful of the slightly fermented homemade chili sauce to the broth. An unexpected twist as Seung Gi had no idea it would taste this good. The kalguksu lives up to the hype as Daejeon's soul food!
Everyone compliments how delicious the tofu duruchigi is as well. The dish comes with a serving of noodles to be mixed into the remaining spicy sauce. Jun Ho divides up the portions and hands over a plate to Se Ri. She scolds him for only giving her noodles and says he should have added some squid too. Jun Ho quickly apologizes as the others laugh at the two bickering yet again.
The Day in Daejeon Ends with a Relaxing Hot Spring
The members arrive at their accommodations for the night, Yousung Hotel 유성호텔. The hotel was built on the site of Yuseong Hot Springs in 1915 and has been in operation ever since after multiple constructions and renovations over the years. The highlight is the natural spring water that can be enjoyed at the in-room private bath or spa.
After a relaxing hot spring bath to wash away the fatigue for the day, the members gather for late-night snacks and beer. The production team prepares delicious fried chicken (product placement for Puradak Chicken) for the group to enjoy. Da Gam loves the classy packaging and playfully poses with it like a luxury handbag. Tae Hyun laughs at Da Gam being way too obvious about trying to earn an individual CF with the brand. The first day in Daejeon ends with a cool refreshing beer as they thank one another for the hard work today. Cheers!
Pak Se Ri's Hometown Nostalgia: Neighborhood Driving Range
Morning has arrived in Daejeon! Everyone meets at the hotel lobby and Se Ri introduces the first destination today as the place where she began to play golf, Gilsan Golf Clinic. It is her neighborhood driving range where she spent her adolescence learning and practicing. This is the place that led Pak Se Ri to stardom on the international scene with a decorated career spanning over 20 years as a pro golfer.
Se Ri started playing in 6th grade when her father brought her to the driving range for the first time. There were no students around, only dads and middle-aged uncles so she did not enjoy golf at first. It was not until she entered a golf event during 8th grade that she felt different and fell in love with the sport. As soon as she returned home, she told her father that she wanted to play golf for real.
After chatting, the members begin to play some golf to show off their skills. Jun Ho asks about Se Ri's famous shot out of the water while barefoot (during the 1998 US Women's Open) so she demonstrates. Afterwards, Se Ri gives each member a special lesson to teach a few pointers on how to work on stance and improve on their swings. She advises them on practicing to hit the ball to a certain distance in yards rather than just trying to hit the ball far. That way, one can learn to be aware of how each shot feels and improve.
The teams are divided by Team Seoul vs Team Daejeon to play a game for lunch. Se Ri does not get to participate as she is a pro. The object of the game is to land approach shots into the 6 marked circles on the ground either by dropping or by rolling. The two teams will take turns. One point per circle and first team to three points wins.
After a few close shots by each team, Jun Ho is the first person to earn a point. The ball rolls perfectly and lands in the circle earning him a high-five from Se Ri! He shouts out "my teacher" leaning in for a congratulatory hug but Se Ri amusingly backs away. Lunch drifts away from Team Daejeon though as Tae Hyun proves to be the ace earning all three points for Team Seoul's victory. Se Ri compliments how good he is unlike Jun Ho who lacks the skill.
On the way to the restaurant, Tae Hyun laughs at Jun Ho saying he must be raging with anger right now. Seung Gi teases Jun Ho too saying he is not good at golf. Se Ri jumps in and throws a dagger saying Jun Ho is really, really bad at golf. In fact, a "bad player!" For someone who loves the sport, it must hurt to hear such words from a golfing legend. Ouch! Of course, they are just playfully teasing him since he is a huge fan of golf.
Kim Jun Ho's Local Food: CHEONBOK SUNDAE GUKBAP 천복순대국밥궁동점
Seung Gi suggests Se Ri should be able to eat with them as she provided valuable golfing lessons in the morning. Jun Ho says "no" as they are one team and should not eat together while Se Ri looks on with anger. Jun Ho wants Se Ri to take back her words earlier about him being really bad at golf but she absolutely refuses and would rather not eat. Everyone is dying from laughter as the two bicker showing their variety show chemistry. They compromise allowing Se Ri to eat along with one more person from Team Daejeon. The remaining person has to go get food at the convenience store. Se Ri looks over at Jun Ho and tells him to get going.
Cheonbok Sundae Gukbap is a local favorite restaurant with a tradition of 70 years serving real blood sausage the old-fashioned way. It is a taste you cannot find in Seoul!
Food arrives and the members begin to dig in to the sundae set that also includes boiled pork, liver, and intestines. Se Ri tries the sundae first and says it tastes just like the one her grandmother would make. After hearing this was Jun Ho's pick, Da Gam did not expect much and is surprised with how delicious the food is.
Jun Ho returns to the restaurant with his store-bought sundae while the real bowls of sundae gukbap are delivered to the table. A hearty bowl of sundae, meat, and rice in a rich beef bone broth. Everyone is impressed. Jun Ho tells them to also add in the seasoned green onions to the broth as recommended. Seung Gi has a taste and gives Jun Ho a thumbs up and wonders why people say there are no good restaurants in Daejeon. Not true! The food has all been amazing here. Tae Hyun agrees thanking Jun Ho for bringing them to a good place, very delicious!
Kim Jun Ho's Hometown Nostalgia: Daejeon Artist House 대전예술가의집
Daejeon Artist House was formerly a cultural center but transformed into an official event space in 2015 where art exhibitions and performances are now held. This is a place that holds special memories for Jun Ho.
The members sit down for a chat inside the theater and Jun Ho shares his story of how he became an entertainer. It started out a dream 28 years ago as a high school student when his school was preparing to celebrate their 30th anniversary. Jun Ho was tasked with planning out the ceremony to be held at this cultural center. He came up with a parody show using pop culture characters from music, comedy, and TV dramas. As he wanted to be the coolest person, he chose to be Choi Dae Chi from the hit drama Eyes of Dawn with a peak viewership rating of over 58%. He proceeds to boast about having a hundred girls lining up to meet him after his performance. That was when he felt destined to go down this path as he loved the attention while also bringing happiness to others.
Sing Along to "Daejeon, Daejeon" on Hometown Flex
Jun Ho prepared an activity for everyone to participate in. It is a song! Famous songwriters Yoon Myung Seon and Kim Ji Hwan, both Daejeon locals, were asked to help with this special project to create a song that can represent the city. Everyone happily agrees to participate, lending their voices to the song.
The genre of the song is country folk and the lyrics relate to Pak Se Ri as she is the treasure of Daejeon. After the members listen to the finished piece, they are asked about their opinions. Seung Gi likes the melody and says it is catchy. Jun Ho asks if it would be tacky to include a narration at the beginning. He begins to ad-lib some lines and Da Gam likes the way it sounds. Da Gam and Se Ri join in and add their own witty lines to the narration.
The songwriters work on dividing up the parts and the Seoul bumpkins begin first. Seung Gi gets complimented on how quickly he learned the melody just after one listen. He is a singer after all! Instead of splitting up their parts by each person, the guys come up with a second version to combine both of their parts into a duet style. Myung Seon loves the idea after hearing it and wants the ladies to do the same for their parts.
As they are all busily practicing, Seung Gi jokes that Jun Ho does not have any parts in the song. Jun Ho assigns himself his own part and starts to sing in a raspy voice sounding like a drunkard with a broken heart. Myung Seon wonders if that is his natural tone but Jun Ho gets upset and asks why they created such a cute song. He wanted a song like Cho Yong Pil's "Come Back to Busan Port," an emotional song that will tug at heartstrings.
To appease Jun Ho, Myung Seon makes a suggestion to insert some guitar sound switching it up to rock as a twist element for the last part. They all give it a try and sing the complete song together. Good job everyone!
Seung Gi wraps up the show by saying he did have his doubts about whether or not there is anything to do here in Daejeon but he was wrong. Tae Hyun agrees saying he had a lot of fun during this hometown visit. The stereotype that the city is boring is simply not true. After getting a real taste of the city, both conclude that Daejeon is indeed a fun and exciting city!
Listen to the full song of “Daejeon, Daejeon" on tvN's official YouTube channel below:
Comments
Post a Comment