Ep 3. The Jeju Chronicles

In the third episode of Kimchi Chronicles season 1, titled The Jeju Chronicles, hosts Marja and Jean-Georges Vongerichten explore the culinary delights of Jeju Island, a picturesque island located off the southern coast of South Korea. Known for its stunning landscapes and unique culture, Jeju Island is also home to a wealth of delicious local dishes that reflect its rich history and natural resources.

The episode kicks off with Marja and Jean-Georges taking a scenic tour of Jeju Island, admiring its volcanic peaks, sandy beaches, and lush forests. Along the way, they meet local farmers and fishermen who provide them with fresh ingredients for their meals and offer insights into the island's culinary traditions.

The first stop on their food journey is a small fishing village where they sample the local specialty, grilled black pork belly. Marja and Jean-Georges are impressed by the deep, smoky flavor of the pork, which is said to be a result of the island's volcanic soil. They also try another local favorite, black abalone, which is harvested by Jeju Island's female divers, known as haenyeo. Marja and Jean-Georges are amazed by the haenyeo's strength and skill as they hold their breath and dive deep into the ocean to collect the abalone.

Next, Marja and Jean-Georges visit a traditional market in the capital city of Jeju, where they taste a variety of local snacks and dishes. They try Jeju tangerines, which are known for their sweetness and juiciness, and jeonbokjuk, a hearty rice porridge made with abalone. Jean-Georges is particularly fond of the market's fried chicken, which he describes as some of the best he's ever had.

The highlight of the episode comes when Marja and Jean-Georges visit a local Jeju Island family who specializes in making traditional Jeju-style black pork belly. The family shows Marja and Jean-Georges all the steps involved in preparing the pork, from marinating it in a special sauce to smoking it over a charcoal fire. Marja and Jean-Georges are thrilled to have the opportunity to taste the finished product and are impressed by its rich and smoky flavor.

Finally, the episode concludes with a trip to a Jeju Island restaurant that specializes in using locally sourced, organic ingredients. Marja and Jean-Georges are treated to a multi-course meal featuring dishes such as savory seafood porridge and grilled mackerel with Jeju tangerine sauce. They also try Jeju Island's famous abalone rice, a dish that features locally harvested abalone on a bed of flavorful rice.

Overall, The Jeju Chronicles is a must-watch episode for anyone interested in Korean cuisine or Jeju Island's unique culture and history. From rugged coastlines to bustling markets, Marja and Jean-Georges showcase the best of what Jeju Island has to offer, and demonstrate why its culinary traditions are worth exploring.