On Hallasan Mountain, it’s that time of year to harvest shiitake mushrooms. The best ones are said to be firm, plump, and carry a strong scent. Joseph Kim has this story.

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Hallasan Mountain (900 m above sea level)

This forest trail on Hallasan Mountain leads to Handae Oreum (한대오름) which lies 900 meters above sea level.

It’s gotten a lot chillier here lately, especially in the mornings and late at night… and the leaves on the trees have started to change color.

A walk further in, brings you to an area where you can find mushrooms growing at the foot of the trees. It’s a busy time for farmers, as it’s the harvesting season for shiitake mushrooms. The ones that grow on Hallasan Mountain are known for their high quality due to the natural conditions they grow in. Because of this, the mushrooms are even said to be cultivated by the heavens. The best ones are plump, firm and give off a strong scent.

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Kim Yong-min

You can enhance the flavor by drying them in the autumn sun.

[INTERVIEW]
Yang Soon-hee / Shiitake mushroom farmer
Hallasan Mountain is like a gift from heaven...
<인터뷰 : 양순희 / 버섯재배 농민>
"한라산이라는 천혜의 조건에서.."

[REPORTER]
Joseph Kim

It’s harvesting season for many farmers… and with Chuseok or Korean Thanksgiving just around the corner… fall here is clearly the season of abundance.

Joseph Kim KCTV