The highlight of our time at the Hanok Village in Jeonju was lunch. Not just any lunch but a Bibimbap Festival held on the grounds of a Confucian seminary. Bibimbap (mixed rice bowl) is the traditional dish of Jeonju and was considered the greatest of the three dishes of the Joseon dynasty. In other words Jeonju is the seat of the Bibimbap Kingdom. Today many devotees make the pigrimmage to worship at its table. This divine delicacy is simple and healthy. It's base is, of course, rice. Added to the rice are sometimes up to 30 ingredients. Lots of fresh veggies, herbs, meat, eggs and a hot, red sauce.
The Jeonju Bibimbap Festival was supposed to have been an elaborate city-wide festival. However, out of respect for the funeral a much loved former president the festival was toned down. The powers that be at the Confucian Seminary graciously offered to host the EPIK teachers for this festival. Their hospitality was exceptional and the food was...well...divine. The harmony of flavours and textures a true testament to Confucian philosophy.
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