This video is part three of my Real Korea Cooking Stories series shot in Korea after finishing my first cookbook in 2015. In this episode I visit my hometown Yeosu and revisit some familiar places from my childhood, where I lived until middle school.
I also took a trip to nearby Dolsan Island, well known for growing mustard in Dolsan’s mustard green kimchi. When I was young you could only get there by boat, now there is a bridge and a cable car.
When I was young I went to the market early in the morning holding my mother’s hand. The market was full of fresh seafood, such as clams, fish, fresh vegetables and fruits. It was like going back in time to see it again!
As I edited it, I couldn’t stop thinking about my mother, who died in August 2024. As a child, she would wake me up early and say, “I’m going to the market. Do you want to come?” Without fail, I rubbed my sleepy eyes and followed her.
The market always thrilled me as a child. Another reason I loved following her was the hot red bean porridge and steaming corn she bought me. Watching her haggle with vendors taught me so much and those moments became unforgettable memories!
Before she died, my mother told me something that I think about every day: “You were not only my daughter, but also my strong friend.”
Video notes
Hwangso Restaurant (Raw crab)
2 Bongsannam 3-gil, Yeosu-si, Jeollanam-do, South Korea
Hamnam Myeonok (Cold noodles naengmyeon)
435 Jung-dong, Yeosu-si, Jeollanam-do, South Korea
