Exploring flavors, culture, and tradition in the heart of Wonju
1. Parking at Wonjucheon Riverside Lot
The long-awaited Wonju Dumpling Festival has finally begun! Since the venue was close to home, I decided to attend in person. I drove my own car and initially considered parking near the festival grounds, but anticipating limited space, I headed to the Wonjucheon riverside parking lot instead.
I assumed the first day wouldn’t be too crowded—but I was wrong. The lot was nearly full, and I had to circle around before finding an empty spot. After parking, I walked about 15 minutes toward the festival area, feeling excited and curious about what awaited.
2. Pre-Festival Buzz and Early Crowds
At first, I considered heading toward Wonju Gamyeong, but most of the festival activities were centered around Culture Street, so I made my way there. To my surprise, the area was already bustling with people. Although the official opening ceremony hadn’t started yet, pre-events and performances were already underway.
3. Strolling Through Culture Street
As I entered the festival zone, I noticed public restrooms and a large event schedule posted nearby. I snapped a quick photo of the schedule and continued walking until I reached the main stage. It was around 12:30 PM, and with the opening event scheduled for 1:00 PM, a rehearsal was in progress.
3-1. The Dumpling Zone: Steamed, Stuffed, and Tempting
The first thing that caught my eye was, of course, the dumplings. Steam was rising from the booths, and long lines of hungry visitors were forming. The aroma was irresistible. I knew the taste well, which made it even harder to resist—but for health reasons, I decided to hold off.
Beyond the dumpling booths was the flea market zone, filled with a wide variety of goods. From handmade crafts to local specialties, there was something for everyone. I made a mental note to return tomorrow to try the dumplings and explore the market more thoroughly.
3-2. Why Kimchi Dumplings Reign Supreme
When it comes to dumplings, kimchi dumplings are the undisputed favorite. That’s because Wonju’s dumpling tradition began with fermented winter kimchi, finely chopped and used as filling. Pork is often added, and in some cases, even pheasant meat—leading to the creation of pheasant dumpling soup, a local delicacy.
Another must-try is the beef dumpling, which offers a hearty and satisfying flavor. And then there’s knife-cut dumpling soup, a fusion of dumplings and Korean-style noodles that’s uniquely Wonju.
3-3. Hands-On Fun at the Dumpling Experience Zone
The dumpling-making experience zone was a highlight. Families sat together, shaping and boiling their own kimchi dumplings before tasting them fresh. Though I didn’t participate myself, watching others enjoy the hands-on activity was delightful.
4. Traditional Markets Meet Festival Energy
As I continued walking through Culture Street, I discovered that four of Wonju’s traditional markets—Jayu Market, Jungang Market, Doraemi Market, and the Wonju Five-Day Market—were all integrated into the festival space. At first, the overlap between market and festival felt a bit chaotic, but it quickly became clear that this fusion offered a unique charm.
One thing I learned: the best food is often hidden in the back alleys. While the central booths were busy, the real lines formed at small eateries tucked away in side streets. It’s true what they say—if you want the best flavors, follow the locals into the corners.
📝 Wrapping Up
That’s a wrap for day one of the Wonju Dumpling Festival. With Saturday approaching, I expect more visitors from out of town and even livelier events. I’m already planning to return tomorrow to dive deeper into the flavors and experiences this festival has to offer.
