At the End of Autumn: The Sweet Comfort of Siraegi and Apples in Yanggu Punchbowl

Following the Autumn Breeze at a 600m High-Altitude Punchbowl

Heading to Yanggu, Gangwon-do, through the cold dawn air was particularly exciting. Haean-myeon, also known as 'Punchbowl,' was named for its terrain, which resembles a giant fruit punch bowl. As I rolled down the window, the endless basin scenery beneath the clear, high sky cleared my mind. I set off to fully embrace the atmosphere of the season after hearing the news of the 'Youth Yanggu Punchbowl Siraegi Apple Festival,' held from October 31 to November 2, 2025.

Arriving in front of the Punchbowl Healing House, the savory scent of Siraegi (dried radish greens) already tickled my nose on the breeze. The nutty aroma of Siraegi dried thoroughly in the autumn sun mixed with the refreshing scent of freshly harvested apples, immediately making me realize why this place is considered an autumn treasure trove.

Enjoying the Punchbowl Festival: A Blend of Taste and Style

At the festival site, nature itself was the protagonist rather than flashy lighting. Walking slowly around Seonghwangji, the sound of leaves rustling in the mountain breeze felt like it was washing away the burdens of my heart. The highlights of the festival are, of course, the local specialties. Perhaps thanks to the highland environment with its large temperature fluctuations, every bite of an apple explodes with sweet juice accompanied by a satisfying 'crunch.' The same goes for the Siraegi. A bowl of deeply boiled Siraegi Doenjang-guk (soybean paste soup) warms the body from within; its rustic yet deep flavor reminds me of my grandmother's home in the countryside.

Like its name 'Super Punchbowl,' this festival was planned to allow visitors to fully feel the energy of the pristine nature of Punchbowl beyond being just a food festival. It is the perfect place for those who want to leisurely enjoy autumn while gazing at the mountain ridges, rather than being pushed around in an overly crowded festival.

Tips to Enrich Your Punchbowl Trip

If you plan to visit, you must pay attention to your attire. As it is a highland area at an altitude of 600 meters, it may be warm during the day but turns chilly as soon as the sun goes down. A thick cardigan or a windbreaker is a must. After looking around the festival area at 15 Haeanseohwa-ro, I recommend visiting the nearby Eulji Observatory (Eulji Jeonmangdae). I hope you don't miss the spectacular view where you can take in the entire basin at a glance.

The festival period is short, but the lingering impression is long. Listening to the sound of crunching fallen leaves in early November and experiencing the warm hospitality of Yanggu—I think this might be the most perfect healing trip this autumn. The wind of Punchbowl continues to dwell warmly in someone's memory today.