Goesan Red Pepper Museum (괴산고추박물관), Goesan, South Korea

Address: 12 Munmu-ro Goesan-eup Goesan-gun Chungcheongbuk-do

236-4 Dongbu-ri Goesan-eup Goesan-gun Chungcheongbuk-do

Contact Info: 043-830-3723

Website: https://m.blog.naver.com/goesan-gun/221406393477

Entrance Fees & Usage Costs: Free Admission

Operating Hours: Mon – Fri: 09:00 – 18:00

Introduction:

The Goesan area has been famous for its red pepper cultivation since ancient times. The museum has a very interesting layout, and its products are even more enticing. It is recommended to stop by and purchase some of the locally grown red peppers… If you don’t like chillies, you can purchase it nonetheless. Chuck the chillies in a blender, and act surprised when your friend asks why the ketchup tastes weird and burns his mouth.

The museum is divided into two different floors. The first floor is where you can view and buy the different specialities of Goesan. Here you will also be able to marvel at the architecture and interior design… or realize that you’d much rather be in a bar.

The second floor is where you can view the actual museum. The museum is in a circular layout. If you’d like to annoy the locals, you can compete with your travel partner to see who can run the most laps around the museum. The museum displays various peppers, and delves into the history, chili variations, etymology and food-usage.

The chili wielding champion of the museum is a character who is very dear to the residents of Goesan. It is based on a fictional character from a book, and his name is Im Kkeokjeong.

History & Culture:

Goesan-gun is a town with a rich history that dates back to before the Three Kingdoms period. The cultivation of peppers began in the area of Goesan-eup during the Joseon Dynasty, when the peppers were first introduced to Korea. The Goesan peppers are distinctive in appearance, shaped like cow horns, and not as small as other varieties. Due to these characteristics, Goesan-gun has become the largest red pepper production area in the country and plays a vital role in the development of the domestic red pepper industry.

The country’s first red pepper museum has been established in Goesan-gun and is open to the public. The museum offers a glimpse into the history and use of red peppers, showcasing their cultural and historical significance. Visitors can experience the life cycle of red peppers and learn about the growth process of various pepper varieties. They can also gain an understanding of the values inherent in red pepper history and culture, and witness the preservation of historical artifacts.

Red pepper has been cultivated since around 850 B.C. in South America and was introduced to Korea during the Joseon Dynasty, where it has become an essential seasoning in our diet and a major crop representing Korea’s food culture. Goesan-gun has a long history that dates back to the formation of villages before the Three Kingdoms period. The cultivation of red peppers in Goesan-eup during the Joseon Dynasty contributed significantly to the area’s reputation as the nation’s largest producer of red pepper and its central role in the development of the domestic red pepper industry.

The museum has been designed to highlight the geographical conditions and the fruit of continuous research and development that have contributed to the area’s success. It includes a history hall that shares and preserves the value inherent in the history and culture of red pepper and a pepper living culture hall that presents the various benefits and values of red pepper in human life. Visitors can also witness the cultivation and processing of red peppers and examine historical materials proving the fact that red pepper was first introduced to Korea in Goesan-gun.

Highlights:

The museum is really interesting and has a captivating layout. The information and the manner in which is displayed modern and any geek’s dream presentation.
A plethora of different plants and little chili bonsai trees are scattered around, many in glass containers to provide an up-close view.
The shop sells the most peculiar and fascinating selection of souvenirs and chili related products.

In addition to the quick history lesson one could get on the decades old red pepper history of Goesan, once a year you can also partake in the Red Pepper Festival/Chili Festival, alternatively known as the Goesan Gochu Festival.

The Goesan Gochu Festival is not only about chilies, its also packed with some spicy activities. To fight of the summer, and chili capsaicin heat, you can partake in one of the many water games, or water-gun battles.

If water isn’t your thing, you can always partake in popping red pepper balloons, red pepper fireworks, a large red pepper yut game, or find the ever elusive Golden Pepper.

When: It occurs every year between August and September.

Where: Goesan County Office Plaza / 92, Imkkeokjeong-ro, Goesan-eup, Goesan-gun, Chungcheongbuk-do, South Korea.

What: The Goesan Chili Festival features the Goesan Cheonggyeol-gochu, which is a horn-shaped pepper, and is considered to be the best chili pepper in Korea.

Homepage: http://www.goesan.go.kr/festival/contents.do?key=1265

Contact: +92 43-830-3114

Tips & Tricks:

Get yourself some milk and don’t be afraid to try the peppers. They are honestly not that hot. They obviously have a bit of a kick, as one could expect of any pepper, but they definitely aren’t on par with any of the chillies we base our fears on.

I’d recommend to visit the museum near the end of August, or beginning of September, this way you can attend the Red Pepper Festival.

Accommodation:

Sun Motel

Dining & Drinks:

Matsikdang (맛식당)

Baekjosikdang – 백조식당

PZZAPEAK – 피자피크

Cafe Mongdorae

Challenge:

The challenge is to try as many of the different peppers as possible; OR to sing a song at a Noraebang after having eaten a red pepper.

Conclusion:

The Goesan Red Pepper Museum is a spicy attraction with immense history. If you visit during the Red Pepper Festival, you can easily get lost in fun for the whole day, or more. If you visit it at any other time, it will be a quick, but surprisingly interesting stop… At least, that’s what my ex girlfriend used to say about me 😥