Savor the Sweetness at the Jirisan Sancheong Dried Persimmon Festival
🗓️ January 2nd – 5th, 2025
Get ready to experience the unique delight of Sancheong Gotgam (dried persimmon) – a delicacy so exquisite, it’s been Korea’s representative fruit for nine years running (2016-2024)! This isn’t just any dried persimmon; Sancheong Gotgam is crafted in a distinctive donut shape, boasting a naturally high sugar content and a delightful chewy texture. Its royal legacy as a tribute to King Gojong during the Joseon Dynasty, and even a thank you letter from Queen Elizabeth II upon receiving this delicacy as a gift, speak volumes about its prestige. Awarded the Grand Prize in Korea’s Festival Content Awards for eight consecutive years (2016-2023) and the Korea Representative Brand Award seven times since 2016, the Jirisan Sancheong Dried Persimmon Festival promises an unforgettable experience.
This year’s festival, running from Thursday, January 2nd to Sunday, January 5th, 2025, offers a vibrant blend of exhibitions, hands-on experiences, and enticing sales events, both on-site and online. Discover what makes Sancheong Gotgam so special:
Highlights:
- Witness Tradition: Observe the ritual ceremony and be captivated by the opening ceremony and celebratory performance.
- Taste the Competition: Experience the excitement of the Gotgam producing farm singing contest, the National Housewives Singing Contest, and the Sancheong Gotgam Quality Evaluation.
- Culinary Delights: Indulge in the Sancheong Gotgam Cooking Contest and explore the diverse offerings at the Gotgam Village Restaurant Exhibition.
- Hands-on Fun: Engage in family motto calligraphy, enjoy traditional folk games, learn to make Gotgam Bungeoppang (fish-shaped pastry), participate in Gotgam Tteokmechi (rice cake pounding), and make your New Year’s wish.
- Shop ’til You Drop: Explore the Sancheong Gotgam marketplace, the Specialty product marketplace, and the Agricultural and specialty product marketplace, and enjoy a variety of food options.
Location:
📍 6, Songhajungtae-gil, Sicheon-myeon, Sancheong-gun, Gyeongsangnam-do
Plan Your Visit:
- 🛏️ Find Accommodation
- 💰 Fee: Free (some activities may have fees)
- 📞 Inquiries: 055-973-0085
- ⭐️ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/sancheong.gotgam/
- 🖥️ Homepage: http://www.gotgam.center
What is Gotgam?
Gotgam is the Korean term for dried persimmon, a traditional Korean snack that has been enjoyed for generations. Made by drying ripe persimmons, this treat captures both sweetness and nutrients as it transforms into a chewy delicacy. The process involves peeling the persimmons and allowing them to dry in the winter air, leading to a naturally sweet result.
Beyond its culinary aspects, gotgam holds cultural significance, linking people with their heritage. It is enjoyed both alone and as part of various Korean dishes and desserts. Its unique texture and deep sweetness make it a favorite during festive times, from traditional tea gatherings to modern celebrations.
Sancheong’s gotgam is particularly noted for its quality and taste, thanks to the region’s suitable climate and careful production techniques. The Jirisan Sancheong Dried Persimmon Festival offers a chance for visitors to taste this excellent gotgam and explore the tradition and skill involved in creating this valued Korean specialty.
