Nearly two decades after one of South Korea's worst environmental disasters, the coastal county of Taean continues to tell a story not of devastation, but of recovery.
The latest episode of KBS1's A Walk Around the Neighborhood visits Taean, Chungcheongnam-do, highlighting residents whose perseverance helped rebuild communities, traditions, and livelihoods in the wake of the region's historic oil spill.
A Monument Rising From the Sea
Hidden between Joguneol Island and Yeou Island in Cheonsuman Bay stands a monument accessible only during low tide.
Built in 2009 while the effects of the oil spill were still visible, the floating memorial tower was created as a symbol of hope for the sea's recovery. Today, it serves as both a reminder of Taean's painful past and a testament to its remarkable resurgence.
Tradition Meets Science in White Ge-gukji
Taean's culinary heritage also takes center stage through ge-gukji, a regional dish made by simmering kimchi prepared with crab.
Among its many variations, one family specializes in a distinctive white ge-gukji known for its clear, milky broth. While the mother preserves decades of culinary tradition, her son applies skills developed during a previous career in the pharmaceutical industry, meticulously documenting and analyzing recipes to maintain consistency and quality.
The result is a rare intersection of inherited knowledge and scientific precision.
A Garden Built Through Recovery
At the end of a quiet mountain road in Nam-myeon lies a garden created by a former art academy director who changed the course of his life after battling cancer.
What began as therapeutic work with soil gradually evolved into a landscape filled with flowers and trees. Memories of the mother who supported him throughout his illness remain woven into the garden, turning the space into a living tribute to resilience and healing.
A New Kind of Coastal Experience
As pet-friendly travel continues to grow in popularity, Byeongsulman Fishing Village has introduced mudflat experiences designed for visitors and their dogs.
The program allows travelers to explore tidal flats alongside their pets while learning about the region's marine ecosystem, reflecting how Taean's relationship with tourism continues to evolve.
Reinventing Life Through Art
In Gonam-myeon, a former construction worker has embarked on a second chapter by transforming discarded seashells into artworks.
After raising two daughters and experiencing major life changes, he relocated to Taean and began creating pieces inspired by materials collected along the coast. His work reflects themes of renewal, mirroring the broader transformation of the region itself.
The Rhythm of Island Life
On the small island of Mado, a husband-and-wife team continues a way of life shaped by the sea.
The husband catches wild rockfish, while his wife prepares meals using the day's catch. Their signature grilled rockfish, seasoned with a spicy marinade, reflects decades spent working together in one of Korea's demanding coastal environments.
Preserving a Vanishing Salt Tradition
The episode also visits Nanggeum Village, where residents continue producing ja-yeom, a traditional sea salt made using methods passed down through generations.
Once threatened with disappearance, the practice has experienced a revival alongside the restoration of local tidal flats. The salt's distinctive flavor profile and cultural significance have made it a symbol of Taean's broader efforts to preserve both its environment and heritage.
More than a travel destination, Taean emerges as a portrait of endurance — a community that transformed hardship into renewal through collective effort, tradition, and an enduring connection to the sea.
KBS1's A Walk Around the Neighborhood episode 375, titled Love, Our Sea — Taean County, Chungcheongnam-do, airs June 20 at 7:10 p.m. KST.
Reported by News Culture M.J._mj94070777@nc.press
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