This week on Jeju: A to Z, Todd Thacker takes a brief look at one of the more unique festivals on Jeju that celebrates an important marine catch, the Yellowtail amberjack or bangeo (방어), one of three subspecies we see in Jeju waters.

For four days starting Nov. 21, the Yellowtail amberjack dish, a Jeju delicacy and significant source of revenue ? will be celebrated by people from all walks of life.

Known as bangeo in Korean, this fish is of particular importance and influence to islanders and residents of Jeju’s southwest coast. Yellowtail migrate here to the waters around Moseulpo Port and Marado Island in the winter season.

[Slug CG] 19th ‘Extreme South’ Bangeo Festival, Nov. 21 to Nov. 24

Each year, the organizers of Moseulpo’s ‘Extreme South’ Yellowtail Festival take great pains to make this a creative and inclusive event. Chances are you’ll find that it’s unlike any festival you’ll encounter elsewhere in the country.

The Yellowtail Festival is so popular, in fact, that though Moseulpo is almost as far south as one can go in South Korea, every year tens of thousands of people make their way here from all over.

It is hands-on and geared to celebrate the senses, like wading knee-deep into a seawater pool for some barehanded fishing.

[Slug CG] Roasted or raw yellowtail, called “hoe,” is on offer

And when it comes to your taste buds, the festival doesn’t disappoint. The winter season, with its cold sea temperatures, makes this the best time to enjoy yellowtail protein. On offer are slices of raw yellowtail (raw fish is called hoe in Korean), as well as roasted yellowtail.

[Slug CG] www.bangeofestival.com

You can also collect your own shellfish and crab and cook them yourself at a specially set-up cooking area. Sample some of Jeju’s other special dishes at the festival, like galchi jorim (cutlass fish boiled in soy sauce and spices.)

[Slug CG] Todd Thacker

And of course there are plenty of fun activities for kids and exhibitions detailing the local ecosystem, history, culture, and marine trade. A daily farmer’s market is also a great idea to check out for great deals on local seafood, meat, produce, and more.

Todd Thacker KCTV