Autumn is the prime season for mushrooms in Korea, especially pine mushrooms, with Yangyang in Gangwon Province being the most renowned region for pine mushroom auctions. The best time to savor these mushrooms is about two weeks after Chuseok, Korea’s major holiday. Pine mushrooms are highly prized for their unique aroma and texture, making Yangyang a popular destination for food enthusiasts. During autumn, visitors can explore local traditional markets and five-day markets to experience a variety of edible mushrooms.
Pine mushrooms only grow near pine trees over 20 years old and cannot be artificially cultivated, making them extremely rare. The unopened caps are especially valued as gifts, sometimes fetching prices over 1 million KRW. Besides pine mushrooms, Yangyang markets offer other varieties like Sari and Neungi mushrooms in the fall. Notable restaurants include Songi Beoseot Maeul, Deungbul Garden, and Dallae Village, each serving signature dishes such as pine mushroom hot pot, rice bowls, and shabu-shabu.
To fully enjoy pine mushrooms, recommended dishes include shabu-shabu, rice cooked with mushrooms, and grilling with beef. Songi Beoseot Maeul offers pine mushroom hot pot and Korean beef shabu-shabu, while Deungbul Garden is famous for its natural pine mushroom and beef barbecue. Dallae Village provides a premium set meal featuring various wild greens and mushrooms, along with healing experiences. The Yangyang Traditional Market holds a five-day market on dates ending in 4 and 9, where visitors can purchase fresh wild mushrooms.
Every October, the Songi Salmon Festival takes place along the Namdaecheon River in Yangyang, featuring pine mushroom and salmon tastings, water sports, exhibitions, and performances. The festival is free and open to all, offering a unique opportunity to experience local specialties and culture. Yangyang’s pine mushrooms, a rare product of nature, play a significant role in boosting the local economy and tourism. The region is expected to further strengthen its reputation as a gourmet travel destination centered around pine mushrooms.
Yangyang pine mushrooms are highly valued for their rarity and distinctive flavor, attracting gourmet travelers from Korea and abroad. The synergy between local festivals, markets, and specialized restaurants significantly contributes to the region’s economic growth and tourism appeal. With sustainable forest management and strategic branding, Yangyang’s pine mushrooms have the potential to gain even greater international recognition.