A Taste of Authentic Korean Countryside at Dajeongdaban (다정다반)
Embraced in the verdant foothills of Heerisan, lies a hidden culinary gem, Dajeongdaban (다정다반), a farm-to-table restaurant run by a dedicated couple who left their urban life a decade ago to delve into the tranquil rhythms of nature and agriculture.
The restaurant name Dajeongdaban signifies “overflowing affection”, which reflects in every dish they serve. The husband and wife team started their rural journey with humble beginnings, slowly filling their front yard with blooming flowers and cultivating new crops with each passing season.
A Tale of the ‘Bean Lady’
The couple’s specialty lies in their love for beans, a fascination which earned them the affectionate nickname of ‘Heerisan Kongbooin’ or ‘Bean Lady of Heerisan’. What started as a simple bean paste made for their own consumption quickly gained popularity among the locals for its extraordinary, honey-like flavor and the Bean Lady’s humble kitchen started attracting food enthusiasts from far and wide.
A Taste Beyond Ordinary
What sets Dajeongdaban apart is not just the deep-flavored Doenjang Jjigae (soybean paste stew), but also the Saengcheonggukjang (raw fermented soybean paste) that accompanies every meal. The initially pungent smell of Saengcheonggukjang often discourages first-timers, but once they taste it wrapped in a traditional Seochon seaweed, they instantly fall in love with its unique savory flavor.
Details to Note
- Address: 106, Sancheon-gil, Jongcheon-myeon, Seocheon-gun, Chungcheongnam-do (충남 서천군 종천면 산천길 106)
- Opening Hours: Reservation only (예약제), from 12:00 to 18:00
- Closed: Every Monday (매주 월요일)
- Telephone: 041-953-9705
The essence of the rural Korean dining experience can be perfectly encapsulated in the culinary offerings of Dajeongdaban, where the natural flavors of the countryside are celebrated in every dish.
The Farmhouse Experience
Visiting Dajeongdaban is more than just a meal; it’s an immersive experience built around the simple joys of life in the Korean countryside – a testament to the beauty of nature and the flavors it holds.
