Hometown Flex: Episode 09 in Jeonju Recap
The fifth city on Hometown Flex is Jeonju in North Jeolla Province. From flavors to traditions to culture, Jeonju is a city that has it all! The local natives, actress So Yi Hyun, actor Yoon Kyun Sang, and rapper Defconn will guide the Seoul bumpkins, Cha Tae Hyun and Lee Seung Gi, on an unforgettable tour full of surprises. Let's dive into the city to discover the food, art, and history along with the cast members to get a real taste of Jeonju!
The 5th Hometown: Jeonju
On this episode, Tae Hyun and Seung Gi are on the road heading to Jeonju to meet up with the guests who will be sharing warm memories of the hometown they grew up in. After getting off the Jeonju IC, Tae Hyun gives his close friend Defconn a call for directions to the meeting location. Defconn tells them to find the guesthouse where all the people in Jeonju meet and to look for the sign that says "Pungpaejigwan."
The "Gaeksa" (Jeonju Guesthouse) is located in the heart of downtown and now serves as a nice resting place for the citizens to enjoy. This building was once used as lodging to receive government officials or foreign envoys that visited the city during the Joseon Dynasty. The sign "Pungpaejigwan" on the main hall means royal hometown.
Meanwhile, Defconn, Yi Hyun, and Kyun Sang are already at the guesthouse waiting for their special visitors. They start to get to know one another by asking which neighborhoods each other are from. As they reminisce how much things have changed around the city and how they no longer recognize any of the streets, Tae Hyun and Seung Gi finally arrive. Defconn and Tae Hyun excitedly greet one another with a hug followed by a silly handshake as it has been a long time since they last worked together on 2 Days & 1 Night.
The members sit down to chat and Kyun Sang asks if the others have visited the Hanok Village before. It is now a must-visit tourist destination but Defconn mentions how it did not exist when he was young. As he remembers, the entire city was just filled with traditional hanok wooden houses but it was not designated yet. Now, a lot have been turned into guesthouses, tea houses, restaurants, and workshops to showcase Korean culture and traditions.
Another thing that is solely for tourists is bibimbap. Defconn says people always ask but the locals do not go out to eat bibimbap. Yi Hyun and Kyun Sang both burst out into laughter in agreement. Jeonju is known for bibimbap and it is indeed delicious but is a bit boring of a choice.
Jeonju takes a lot of pride as the food capital of South Korea and is known for their warm affection and friendliness "정" when it comes to food. This refers to the generous amount of side dishes as you will always receive more than asked. Kyun Sang says this happens a lot at makgeolli restaurants or places serving set menus where you will get an endless flow of side dishes filling up the entire table. You will simply get everything!
Moving on to the topic of local satoori, Defconn says they rarely use dialect but do end their sentences with "di" as in "뭔디" (what?) a lot. Yi Hyun laughs out loud as it has been a while since she has heard Jeonju dialect. She says they do have a tendency to add things like "gyeo" or "di" or "ing" at the end.
The PD brings up the stereotype that Jeonju people are well-mannered where the concept of "체면" (keeping one's face) is important. Yi Hyun says they are not good at saying anything disagreeable to the face but will instead do it behind backs. Seung Gi jokes how that sounds like backstabbing and Kyun Sang attempts to defend by explaining in a better way. It is not like one is always going around talking behind someone's back. People tend to be nicer up front choosing to be non confrontational but will instead talk it out quietly behind.
Tae Hyun thinks Jeonju people are similar with locals from Chungcheong Province. Yi Hyun's husband, In Gyo Jin, is from there and she agrees how it is difficult to know what they are actually thinking on the inside. Yi Hyun tells a story from last night about how frustrating Gyo Jin can be but Jeonju people are not as bad. Tae Hyun is reminded how one would have to ask three times for a real answer as learned on their Cheongju visit but Defconn says they only need to be asked half as much. After saying "no" the first time, they will give a real answer when asked again.
After the opening segment banter, the members finally get going to start the trip. As both Defconn and Kyun Sang are big guys, the 3rd row of seats is set up in the car for the first time to make more room for everyone. Defconn is put in the most cramped spot at the back and mistakenly puts on Kyun Sang's seatbelt causing laughter.
So Yi Hyun's Local Attraction: Gyeonggijeon Shrine 경기전
This is a memorable spot for the locals as they would visit often as a child on field trips or for weekend family trips. Gyeonggijeon Shrine is designated Historic Site #339 where the only remaining portrait of King Taejo of Joseon is enshrined. The shrine has been preserved for over 500 years and is a must-visit destination in Jeonju.
Upon entering, everyone is in awe amazed by the stunning beauty of the site. It feels therapeutic as they enjoy the cool refreshing breeze at the bamboo garden. As this is a popular photo spot, they take a group photo together for memories. Defconn jokes about Seung Gi living here, that is seems like a place where his ancestors lived. Yi Hyun says it does suit him as he gives off the vibe of a young aristocrat.
The members head over to the main hall, Jeongjeon, where the royal portrait of King Taejo is displayed. Seung Gi is blown away and says he is always surprised by what he finds in each city. Yi Hyun agrees and says it is great to tour around Korea.
They take a break under the shade at Subokcheong (the Annex of Gyeonggijeon). It is now a resting place for the public but was once where civil servants worked when assisting with ancestral rites held at the shrine.
Everyone is feeling hungry as Defconn mentions how the black roof tiles are starting to look like chocolate chips to him. The PD tells them that Jeonju is designated as a UNESCO City of Gastronomy and is listed by Lonely Planet as a top 10 destination in Asia. As Kyun Sang feels proud about his hometown, Seung Gi says Gwangju is the city that comes to mind when one thinks of best food in Jeolla Province. Feeling offended, Yi Hyun quickly defends her city saying "No, it is Jeonju!!" Kyun Sang comes in with an attack questioning the Gwangju nonsense and Defconn does not stay quiet either saying all the good food is originally from Jeonju. Hometown pride!
Lunch Menu Decision (feat. Dad)
For lunch, each of the locals will phone their fathers for a recommendation. The Seoul bumpkins will choose to eat whatever they want among the recommendations which means a local can get left out. Kyun Sang is feeling dizzy and cannot believe that someone will be forced to eat alone.
Yi Hyun calls first and after self introductions, her father asks if the friends like to drink making everyone laugh as it is still broad daylight. The recommendation is his favorite hangover place at Nambu Market that serves kongnamul gukbap (soybean sprout soup with rice). For the ultimate hangover cure, buy a pack of the laver coated with perilla oil from the store in front and add it to the broth. Kyun Sang and Defconn both know of this place and says squid is served in the gukbap along with poached eggs on the side. The dish sounds tempting to the bumpkins!
Kyun Sang calls his father next and the choice is a galbitang (beef short rib soup) and tteok-galbi (short rib patties) restaurant. Hyojamun 효자문 is a popular spot in Jeonju that has been in business for a very long time. Galbitang is usually in a clear broth but here it is a chestnut brown color and incredibly savory. Kyun Sang has been going here since he was in elementary school. Everyone is intrigued by the description and wants to go. The recommendation becomes a strong frontrunner!
Defconn phones his father as Seung Gi quips how galbitang will be a tough choice to beat. Everyone cracks up as Defconn uses his stage name when speaking with his own father. He mentions they are at Gyeonggijeon right now and proceeds to influence the choice by asking about Hyojamun galbitang. His father knows of the restaurant as it is very famous but ends up suggesting a delicious spot for bibimbap near them. The choice is hilarious as Defconn has been saying all morning how Jeonju locals do not eat bibimbap. Fearing that he will have to eat alone, he says the bibimbap is very special here and advises them to choose wisely.
The 3 recommendations are in! After production calls each place, the galbitang restaurant is sadly eliminated as it is already full with group reservations and do not have room to film inside. The choices are now down to bibimbap vs kongnamul gukbap. Kyun Sang will get to choose between the two menus as well. Defconn says it is ironic how they talked about avoiding these menu items earlier but have ended up with them now.
Like a tag team, Seung Gi, Tae Hyun, and Kyun Sang all choose to eat kongnamul gukbap one after the other and scoots over to Yi Hyun's side. Defconn will be eating alone!
So Yi Hyun's Local Food: Kongnamul Gukbap at HYUNDAIOK 현대옥 (Nambu Market)
The gukbap team arrives at Nambu Market, a traditional market that has been open for over a century. They make a stop at Korea Chicken 한국닭집 as Yi Hyun points out their delicious kkwabaegi (twisted donuts). She use to get it for dessert after eating gukbap. They also purchase some sesame sticky rice donuts which are only $5 for 10. The owner even throws in 2 extra pieces for free. Kyun Sang says this is the Jeonju "정" generosity.
This market is full of old memories for Yi Hyun and Kyun Sang as they say it has been a long time but nothing has changed. After buying the laver, they enter the restaurant and place orders for kongnamul gukbap with extra squid added. The food arrives and Yi Hyun teaches them to mix it up first as there is raw garlic and Cheongyang chili on top. Then add about 5 spoonfuls of the broth to the bowl of poached eggs and drink it up. Kyun Sang explains that the poached eggs help protect a sour stomach after a night of drinking and the soup will relieve the hangover.
Instead of gulping down the poached eggs, Tae Hyun adds some into the gukbap. Seung Gi scolds him for being a Seoul bumpkin as the sign on the wall points out that you should not do that. Yi Hyun says it does alter the taste of the soup and he should try it first. Then add in the crushed laver according to personal taste.
The locals are enjoying the nostalgic taste. Yi Hyun says it tastes exactly the same as when she would come here as a child with her family after a morning hike together. Tae Hyun and Seung Gi are also really impressed with the flavors. As expected of Jeonju's representative food, the dish does not disappoint! They say it is very different than what you can get in Seoul and end up clearing their bowls.
Defconn's Local Food: Bibimbap at JONGNO HOEGWAN 종로회관
Meanwhile, Defconn is alone at the bibimbap restaurant sitting idly wondering if this is a penalty for losing a game. He wants to get the set menu that turns out to be for 2 servings or more but ends up ordering it anyways saying he can eat it all by himself. The set menu includes Jeonju's representative dish, bibimbap, plus tteok-galbi grilled over charcoal, and crispy seafood pajeon with scallions. A plentiful meal for Defconn who is feeling really lonely.
A few surprise visitors suddenly show up at the restaurant. It is Kyun Sang's younger brother and fiancé who came to meet him as she is a huge fan. They had ran into the gukbap team about 30 minutes ago who mentioned he will be eating here. Defconn invites them to join him at the table and the lonely lunch turns into an enjoyable meal now with new friends. The gukbap team FaceTime Defconn who excitedly shows off his food and friends.
Back at Nambu Market, the gukbap team finishes lunch and Yi Hyun recommends another course. They walk over to get ssanghwatang (Korean herbal tea) at Eunhye Hyugesil 은혜휴게실 along with cold green plum tea and sikhye (sweet rice punch). All of the drinks are priced at $1-$2. After tasting the ssanghwatang, Tae Hyun laughs because of the bitterness but understands why one would drink this after a night of heavy drinking.
Jeonju Hanok Village 전주한옥마을
Defconn is back at the Hanok Village all alone again waiting at Cafe Dal Story 달이야기. The members arrive just in time bringing along the sweet treats from the market to share. Defconn knows right away just by the grease on the paper bag and exclaims sticky rice donuts! Tae Hyun says the donuts are delicious even when they have eaten so much already. Yi Hyun jokes that good food can just keep going in. This is something that all cities in this province have in common, one cannot stop eating while there.
As the production team is still busily setting up, the PD tells the members that Kyun Sang's mother runs a clothing shop here at the Hanok Village. The shop, Haruilgi 하루일기, is just down the street on the corner so they walk over for a visit. Mom affectionately calls out Kyun Sang and gives him a hug upon seeing him. It has been a while since the pandemic has delayed her visits to Seoul. Kyun Sang loves it when she visits but wants her to rest while there instead of always trying to do chores. Seung Gi says allowing her to do so will make her happy. Mom agrees.
The members look around and do some shopping. Tae Hyun picks out a dress for his two daughters and knows to get them the same ones or else they will argue. Defconn finds a Hawaiian shirt in his size and tries it on. Seung Gi says it looks really good on him. Yi Hyun agrees saying the orange color suits him and livens up his face. Defconn jokingly asks if his face was dead earlier making everyone laugh. He ends up buying it and wears his new shirt out the door.
Team Seoul vs Team Jeonju Popularity Battle
After shopping, they return to the cafe and see a familiar setup. It is the popularity battle fan sign event again! Ten citizens are chosen but can only request an autograph from one person as Seung Gi explains. A team event battle between Seoul and Jeonju. Yi Hyun remarks how Team Seoul has the upper hand. That is what all the local teams say but they have never won before as Tae Hyun rebuts. The prize for the winning team is one item of choice from Haruilgi. Seung Gi teases Tae Hyun for being too rash with his purchase earlier. As Defconn already bought a shirt too, he blames Seung Gi for encouraging him with the flattering comments.
The citizens begin entering one by one to introduce themselves. Team Seoul feels dizzy as Team Jeonju works on buttering up the first citizen. They call a time out as Seung Gi has never seen this kind of teamwork before. Jeonju is known for working well together as Yi Hyun proudly state. Back to the pick, the person is handsome so Defconn automatically eliminates himself waving goodbye. She heads over to Kyun Sang but it was a fake and turns to Tae Hyun at the last minute. A huge fan since My Sassy Girl. Team Seoul leads 1:0.
After four citizens, the score is tied at 2:2. Everyone has received a vote each except for Defconn. Upset, he jokes about prohibiting the use of the word "handsome" as he gets eliminated too quickly. The next person says "Jeonju is all about loyalty" but proceeds to choose Tae Hyun shocking everyone with the betrayal. Seung Gi gets the next vote as the citizen finds out they attended the same Hyanggyo school in Jecheon. Team Seoul now leads 4:2.
Defconn gets a glimmer of hope after the next guy says his hobby is biking and is also a subscriber of his YouTube channel. As he has not given away a single autograph yet, this person is his only source of light today. He picks up the pen with confidence and is all ready to sign. Surely enough, the fan marches forward and chooses Defconn!
The race is tight as the score ties again at 4:4 after the next citizen chooses Yi Hyun, her school sunbae. Seung Gi receives the next vote putting Team Seoul in the lead again at 5:4. The last person will determine the results, a win or a tie? She walks over and greets Defconn as they attended the same university. Defconn sadly bids "sayonara" (she works as a Japanese interpreter at the Hanok Village) as it turns out to be a fake move. She scoots away and chooses Seung Gi giving Team Seoul their first popularity battle victory!
For the prizes, Seung Gi wants the same kids clothing set Yi Hyun picked out earlier. As Tae Hyun already bought what he wanted, he decides to use his prize to get Defconn another Hawaiian shirt. Defconn is so thankful but it is well deserved as he made everyone laugh so much during the fan sign event.
Next up, each of the locals will pair up with a Seoul bumpkin to carry out their memory tour which means someone will go alone again. Defconn immediately complains asking why the show is planned this way where one person is forced to film alone. Knowing the results, Defconn takes initiative and asks for a camera to film himself. The teams set out on their separate memory tours with Seung Gi joining Yi Hyun and Tae Hyun joining Kyun Sang.
Defconn's Memory Tour: Downtown Jeonju & Wansan Park
Defconn searches for nostalgia by himself as he makes his way to downtown to see how things have changed. He locates where the five intersections meet and starts to walk around reminiscing the stores that were once there but are now just a memory. The places he use to frequent have all sadly disappeared.
For Part 2, Defconn is making his way uphill to a "hot place." This is a nostalgic spot where he went to with his dad and siblings during the winters to go sledding using fertilizer sacks. At the top is a beautiful scenic spot with a view of downtown Jeonju. He gets flustered as the road is suddenly blocked off and searches for another way up. Since it has been a long time, he gets lost and has no clue where he is at.
After wandering around, Defconn finds a sign indicating the direction to Wansan Park and starts to follow the path. He eventually comes across the downhill corner where he use to go sledding. It turns out to be a true story as they verify with old photographic evidence. To not endanger the crew, Defconn gives up on trying to reach the peak and decides to make his way back down as it has gotten too dark. He promises to send a special correspondent to find the pavilion to show us the amazing view of the city.
The special correspondent aka the production team locates the pavilion from the sky. This is also the place where Defconn's parents came to for their honeymoon. It is a beautiful spot where you can see all of Jeonju!
So Yi Hyun's Memory Tour: Hyomun Girls Middle School
On the way to the school, Yi Hyun points out where her old house was from the nearby playground. She begins to feel emotional as she walks around the neighborhood. Seung Gi understands and says one cannot help but to get teary-eyed. Among the trees is a time capsule she had buried with her friends before she left for Seoul. It would be amazing if she can find it and open it to relive the memories that were left behind.
They arrive at her school and a lot has changed but still oddly familiar as she recounts her childhood memories. A special guest is here waiting for her at the teacher's office. She peeks inside but closes the door after locking eyes as she is overcome with emotion. Seung Gi opens the door and Yi Hyun finally enters to greet Mr. Lee Jung Gwan who is her former homeroom teacher. They hold each other's hands tightly as tears begin to stream down.
The last time Yi Hyun had seen Mr. Lee was when she was in 10th grade just before leaving for Seoul. It has been 20 years already. Mr. Lee is special to her because they got along and she often shared her worries with him. She had to suddenly give up dancing back then because of family troubles and started to act out as a result. Thanks to Mr. Lee, she was able to get back on the right track in 9th grade and continued to study.
Mr. Lee has kept all the letters from his students over the years and shows her a letter she had written in 8th grade during her rebellious stage. She remembers how she would always cause him trouble back then. Even though she is now known as the actress So Yi Hyun, she will always be the 15-year old Jo Woo Jung to him.
This is what Mr. Lee lives for as an educator when former students grow up well and return for a visit. It makes him more than content. Yi Hyun is glad that she came back but had no idea she would get this emotional. She feels as if she is 15 again and Mr. Lee says he feels like he is 37 again. Seung Gi comments how heartwarming this is and can tell that Mr. Lee is also overcome with emotion but trying to hold back. The two will cherish this forever.
Yoon Kyun Sang's Memory Tour: Youngsaeng High School
Kyun Sang has not visited his high school since graduation. When asked if he really enjoyed high school, he says no but wanted to visit and meet his former teacher Mr. Kwon Hye Soo again. A friend that he attended elementary to high school with also teaches there now.
After arriving, Tae Hyun is amazed by how nice the school looks. Meanwhile, Kyun Sang is shocked and confused questioning if this is really the same school he attended. Everything seems brand new as he tries to remember the way around. Tae Hyun teases him and says he is like a tourist getting a tour of the Hanok Village right now.
They finally go inside the main building and locate the teacher's office. After hesitating for a moment, he enters the room and recognizes his former homeroom teacher right away just from his eyes. They greet with a warm hug and tell each other they have not changed at all.
Kyun Sang also greets his childhood friend, Kim Eu Ddeum, with a hug while saying it has been a long time. They sit down together for a chat to catch up. Kyun Sang is so excited to see Mr. Kwon again and says he really has not changed one bit. It is the bright smile that he has never forgotten. Mr. Kwon's eyes were always smiling even when scolding him for skipping night classes.
Tae Hyun informs Mr. Kwon that Kyun Sang referred to him as the most memorable teacher. Feeling honored, Mr. Kwon says he is thankful and continues to tightly grasp Kyun Sang's hand. Kyun Sang begins to feel emotional as tears begin to well up thinking about the past.
In 11th grade, Kyun Sang started to cut night classes more and more and did not go to school. He would spend all his time at the "PC bang" gaming. He was not a delinquent but was not studious either. He was a student that was stuck in the middle, one who could not focus on anything, skip night classes, get caught and get in trouble.
Tae Hyun says most students are like that and he himself was too. Kyun Sang says those are exactly the students that teachers tend to overlook. Kyun Sang gets really emotional and tears up as he describes what he loved about Mr. Kwon. It was his warmth. He made him feel like he was special every time he talked to him. Everyone wants to feel special and Mr. Kwon is a teacher that really cared. Mr. Kwon says Kyun Sang was so quiet but he knew there was a dark side and wanted to help by encouraging him stay in school.
After taking a look at Kyun Sang's past student records, Eu Ddeum wraps up by taking the opportunity to thank his friend. There is a scholarship under Yoon Kyun Sang and it is thanks to alumni like him who continue to help make this school amazing. Kyun Sang is doing well and wants to give back to help others in need.
Mr. Kwon concludes by saying that he has not seen Kyun Sang in 17 years now since 2003. Even though so much time has passed, it feels like it was just yesterday. Kyun Sang smiles brightly saying he feels the same and was so surprised when he first saw him. A heartwarming long-awaited reunion bringing laughter and tears.
The story in Jeonju will continue on the next episode of Hometown Flex...
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