[Pyeongchang] - Grilled Dried Pollack Fish at 황태1번지 황태회관

Judy from Elf Pension Resort helped us to call and arrange for taxi tour around Pyeongchang. This mountainous city has the average elevation of approximately 700 metres above sea level, therefore it's called 'Happy 700' which is believed to be the optimal location for human and animals to live in harmony with nature and culture.

The Alps of Korea is one of the favorite short gateaway for locals and attracted a lot of tourists especially during winter because of its pristine snow that perfect for winter sports.

Our driver was proud and happy to introduce us breathtaking mountainous scenery surrounded this beautiful city. He also showed us Yongpyong Ski Resort and Alpensia Ski Resort which will be the venues of 2018 Pyeongchang Winter Olympics. 

Gangneung is also another hosting town, therefore our driver told us that further down is Gangneung. I just checked it's about half and hour drive from Alpensia. You can see from the video, there were few big banners promoting Pyeongchang Olympics although it was in 2015 (yes, you read it right, I took 2 years to write this post).

We asked our taxi driver to recommend us must-eat local delicacies because we need to feed ourselves first before headed to Daegwallyeong for feeding the sheep.

 

 He drove us to 황태1번지 황태회관 because this restaurant 

is very popular to locals for delicious hwangtae dish.

For Koreans, Pollack is more than just a fish. It's believed to bring good fortune. Even until today, some people will tie dried pollack in the string and hang in the new house or newly opened business. It's also one of the key foods offered in sacrificial and ancestral rites.

This restaurant was featured in SBS, KBS and MBC TV programs
and received quite a number of awards since 1985.

Hwangtae refers to a certain variety of dried pollack which is repeatedly frozen and thawed in mountainous areas where the temperature fall below -10C for 40 to 90 days. The pollack slowly dries, freezes at night and thaws during the day. These repeated contractions and expansions turning it to yellowish Hwangtae. This reminded me of historical Korean drama "The Merchant: Gaekju (장사의 신: 객주) starring Jang Hyuk.

황태1번지 황태회관 Menu board.

The staff serving us can speak Chinese, we checked whether the the pollack is spicy and she said yes. Therefore, she recommended us cuttlefish bulgogi which they could prepare non-spicy version.

Ordered a set of Grilled Dried Alaska Pollack (황태구이) - ₩12,000 and 

2 sets of Cuttlefish Bulgogi (오징오 불고기) - ₩24,000

Gangwon-do is renowned and takes pride in producing the best Pollack 

(황태 = hwangtae / salt-removed Pollack) and cuttlefish in Korea. 

It is cooked in a hot cauldron with special spices and condiments. 

Flavorful with soft and chewy texture. 

Red hoodie girl.

There are lots of way to prepare pollack, either by stir-fry, steaming, stew or for cooking soup. Dried pollack soup is one of the best food for hangover and liver detoxification.

  Cafe 7Hundred is giving discount of  ₩1,000 for customers

from this restaurant. On the right, 농수산물 판매장 is an

Agricultural and Marine Products Store selling 

dried Pollack fish, seaweed and others.

Related Posts: 

Galchijorim, must-eat speciality food in Jeju

  Charcoal Grilled Dakgalbi (솣불 닭갈비)

 

 20 Delectable Dishes in Korea

 

[Pyeongchang] - Elf Pension Resort (숲속의 요정)

Elf Spa Resort Hotel is a Good-stay pension resort located at 3km away from Phoenix Park Resort where 2018 Winter Olympic will take place. 

 

Took taxi from Jangpyeong station and arriced at the

hotel around 10 o'clock.


 We booked a family room from Agoda for 2 nights for $190.00.

 

Our room was not ready because the check-in time is 3pm.

Judy, the receptionist was kind to switch to another room

 so we could check-in before she booked the taxi tour for us.

 Inner Map of Elf Spa Resort.

 

 While we busy for dinner arragemnet, kids were playing with 

Gucci, the little chiwawa and kept her warm because she's trembling.

We chose to have BBQ Pork B1 Set for our first night. 

 Spacious family room with kitchennete, terrace

There are quite a number of entertainments inside this resort for everyone from kids to adult to spend hours without steping out from the resort. 

Mini Zoo

 Zhi trying to read all the animals' names in Hangul.

Meet Pororo (포로로), the playful puppy and his friends...

 

 Lovely and cute Arongi & Darongi (아롱이 & 다롱이),

 

Rabbits Bunny (바니), Chickens Kkokko (꼬꼬) and Ducks Donald (도날드).
 

 Elf & Polly, the Alaskan Malamute.

 

Endless fun with snow tubing at kids park.

fish pond near the playground,

Ah ha... this is the only family photo!

hammocks and swings to relax,...

Outdoor swimming pool, but it's frozen.

 Love waterfall and lovelock fence.


You can rent sleigh and have fun now sliding down this 200m hill,
but we skipped this as the snow wasn't thick enough.

 There's Karaoke room and campfire too.

 

 Convenience store selling some food, snacks, drinks as well as
food to feed animals at mini zoo.

You can cook simple dish such as ramyeon or preheat cooked food using microwave at your room. They provided utensils, but you need to wash them after usage.

 Great that there's ATM Service as we ran out of cash.

Others facilities included Restaurant, Seminar and Business Room...

Kids cafe to keep younger kids busy with beans play, trampoline,
and others games in this safe and colorful environment.

Kiddos chose to hide in the cozy cafe because of minus degrees outside and they're a bit unwell...

We'd a quick date strolling around this fairytale-like resort.

Imagine myself as a queen waiting for the king at this beautiful castle.

 This big castle is perfect choice to accomodate big family or group.

 

Wood houses blend-in nicely with the castles. Pictureaque scenery!!!

   

The view was really fantastic because of white snow.

Hike up to secret path for lovers and build a snowman.

Such a memorable and romantic evening~!

We'd BBQ for the first night. They delivered our orders to our room

and helped us to set-up the fire...

We're all sick, maybe because too tired or having gastric flu because late lunch.

We didn't have appetite to eat and left a lot of BBQ meat.

We'd pumpkin porridge, patjuk, and we reheat 

leftover BBQ meat using microwave and

eat them with breads.

Asked for Nene Chicken as it's our favorite Korean Fried Chicken in Singapore.
Snow Cheese Fried Chicken with coke - KRW 20,000.

This resort was endorsed as 'Goodstay' by Korea Tourism Organization, which only

awarded to motels and inns that meet high standards of facilities and operations.

Fireworks at night

Would love to stay there again if got chance. We're really satisfied with the services, especially Judy who's so friendly and she speaks good English. You might want to consider this affordable, reliable and family-friendly accommodation if you're visiting Pyeongchang this winter.

Related Posts:  

Ski Resorts in Korea

 

Picturesque Pyeongchang and Nearby Attractions.

  

Must Try Mouth-Watering Foods in Gangwon.