Jeon Hyun-moo and KwakTube, alongside their 'food friend' Won Jin-ah, embarked on a delightful culinary journey through Jeolla Province, exploring the hidden gastronomic gems of Yeonggwang and Hampyeong.
On the latest episode of the reality food documentary 'Jeon Hyun-moo Plan 2', aired on MBN and Channel S, Jeon Hyun-moo and KwakTube (Kwak Jun-bin) were joined by Won Jin-ah, who is known as KwakTube's ideal type, as they explored the lesser-known eateries of Jeolla's small towns. Their journey began in Yeonggwang, where they savored the unique flavors of a restaurant specializing in clam porridge and a traditional Korean meal with 37 side dishes. The trio then moved to Hampyeong, known as the 'Mecca of Korean beef', where they indulged in innovative dishes at a 45-year-old beef restaurant, tantalizing viewers' senses.
The adventure kicked off with Jeon Hyun-moo and KwakTube visiting a renowned clam porridge restaurant in Baeksu-eup, Yeonggwang. Upon seeing the 21 side dishes accompanying the porridge, they were astonished, exclaiming, "Do they serve pig's feet as a side dish? What's left?" KwakTube was impressed by the clam porridge, describing it as a "clam field," while Jeon Hyun-moo humorously compared it to a luxury brand, calling it the "Hermès of clams." KwakTube playfully responded, "You're the Hermès of MCs," to which Jeon Hyun-moo jokingly agreed, causing laughter.
Amidst the lively banter, Jeon Hyun-moo expressed his initial concern about inviting their 'food friend', mentioning KwakTube's past comments about his ideal type, which included IU and Won Jin-ah. When KwakTube finally met Won Jin-ah, he humorously exclaimed, "Oh, my Won Jin-ah!" even with his eyes covered, creating a hilarious scene. KwakTube shyly admitted to having met Won Jin-ah during a trip to Peru, but she playfully revealed, "He seemed disgusted when he saw me," teasing him.
The trio then headed to a selected traditional Korean meal restaurant, where they were served a grand 37-dish meal featuring Yeonggwang grilled fish. They marveled at the spread, exclaiming, "How will we finish this?" and praised it as the best they've ever had. As the feast began, Won Jin-ah casually picked up fish with her hands, prompting Jeon Hyun-moo to joke about the lingering fish smell. Won Jin-ah's witty retort, "Then I'll be happy," surprised Jeon Hyun-moo with her easygoing nature.
After experiencing the impressive 37-dish meal, the group moved to Hampyeong for the 'Korean beef finale'. At a traditional-style beef restaurant, they enjoyed dishes like soy sauce beef tartare, beef and octopus stone pot bibimbap, and steamed beef, indulging in a feast. During the meal, Jeon Hyun-moo cautiously asked Won Jin-ah about her voice, which was once criticized for being too deep. She explained, "I have a wide vocal range, but my acting tone is quite low," and shared that she was advised to change her voice unless she played lead roles. Jeon Hyun-moo comforted her, saying, "Now that you're a leading actress, you can use your voice freely."
The heartwarming culinary journey with Won Jin-ah concluded, and viewers can catch Jeon Hyun-moo and KwakTube's 56th food trip in search of 'summer flavors' in Jinju on the next episode of 'Jeon Hyun-moo Plan 2', airing on MBN and Channel S on November 8 at 9:10 PM.
Reporter: Im Chae-ryeong, Ten Asia syjj426@tenasia.co.kr