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Discover Korea's Fiery Heritage: Goesan & Cheongyang Chili Pepper Festivals Guide

Hello everyone, this is JIRO! πŸ‘‹

Hope you’ve all been doing well!


Today, we’re excited to share the fascinating stories behind Korea’s iconic chili peppers and the two vibrant pepper festivals held in Goesan and Cheongyang.

Curious to find out more? Let’s dive right in! ✨


Cheongyang & Goesan Chili Pepper Festivals
Cheongyang & Goesan Chili Pepper Festivals

What if we had NO chili peppers???? 😭😭
What if we had NO chili peppers???? 😭😭

No spicy tteokbokki...
No kimchi...
No gochujang...

...We couldn't eat ANY of them! 😱

Health Benefits of Chili Pepper
Health Benefits of Chili Pepper

Energy Boost / Weight Loss / Better Digestion

The power of peppers...
Your ultimate daily health companion, "Chili Pepper"

Weight Loss
Capsaicin boosts metabolism and burns energy 
to help reduce body fat.

Fatigue Recovery & Immunity
Packed with several times more vitamin C than apples, 
it's great for preventing colds and relieving fatigue.

Better Digestion & Anti-Aging
Stimulates saliva and gastric acid to aid digestion and boost appetite. Plus, beta-carotene and antioxidants neutralize free radicals to slow down cellular aging.

Falling Profits Shrinking Pepper Farms
Falling Profits Shrinking Pepper Farms

Chili pepper profit margins have dropped to 60.9% due to rising labor costs,

and as farms switch to other crops, cultivated land continues to shrink...

Despite these challenges, Goesan and Cheongyang remain the heart of chili pepper farming in Chungbuk and Chungnam!
Despite these challenges, Goesan and Cheongyang remain the heart of chili pepper farming in Chungbuk and Chungnam!


Goesan accounts for 519 ha (about 21.7%) of Chungbuk's total 2,391 ha pepper farmland!

Cheongyang accounts for 506 ha (about 19.3%) of Chungnam's total 2,614 ha pepper farmland!

Goesan Cheonggyeol Chili Pepper!
Goesan Cheonggyeol Chili Pepper!
*Goesan-gun: Renowned for pepper cultivation since the Joseon Dynasty

Grown in high-altitude zones (250m above sea level)
Distinctive bright and vibrant red color

(Korea’s First!)
*Designated Special Chili Pepper Industry Zone
*Registered Geographical Indication (GI)

Production Process

Eco-friendly Cultivation ⇒ Harvest ⇒ Machine Washing with Pure Groundwater ⇒ Drying ⇒ Sorting, Packaging & Distribution


Cheongyang Pepper~!
Cheongyang Pepper~!

Did you know? 
There are two theories behind the name "Cheongyang Pepper"...

1. A blend of the first letters of Cheongsong and Yangyang counties.
2. Named after Cheongyang-gun, which provided the exceptional original seeds!

What makes Cheongyang "Chilgapmaru" Peppers special?!

Grown in the fertile valleys around Mount Chilgapsan, these peppers thrive in rich, well-drained soil. 
The wide day-and-night temperature swings give them a brilliant color and unmatched quality.

BUT...... NOOOOOOO!!!!!! 

Cheongyang Pepper... 😭😭!
Cheongyang Pepper... 😭😭!

Believe it or not, the rights to Cheongyang pepper seeds now belong to Germany.

"JoongAng Seed", the company that first developed and held the variety rights, was acquired during the 1997 Asian Financial Crisis IMF Crisis). 
As a result,  the ownership was transferred first to the U.S., and eventually to Germany..

Goesan Chili Pepper Festival
Date: September 3 (Thu) – September 6 (Sun), 2026
Venue: Goesan Organic Expo Plaza area

-World Pepper Exhibition
-Hands-on Gochujang 
(Chili Paste) Making
-Ultimate Spicy Food Challenge
-Surprise Chili Auction & more!

Goesan Chili Pepper Festival
Festival Exclusive Deal!
πŸ”₯ [SPECIAL DEALS]
• Washed Dried Chili Peppers (600g): 16,000 KRW
• Stemless Washed Dried Chili Peppers (600g): 18,000 KRW

Shop without the heavy lifting!
Free carry-to-car service right from the market to your parking spot!
Free nationwide parcel shipping for all on-site purchases!!

Cheongyang Chili Pepper & Goji Berry Festival
Cheongyang Chili Pepper & Goji Berry Festival
Date: September 11 (Fri) – September 13 (Sun), 2026
Venue: Around Cheongyang Baekse Health Park

Fun Hands-on Activities!!

〈Spicy Food Champion Challenge〉
〈Giant Fresh Kimchi (Geotjeori) Making〉
〈Cheongyang Pepper Accessory Crafting〉
plus exciting stage performances and more!

Cheongyang Chili Pepper & Goji Berry Festival
πŸ”₯ [SPECIAL DEAL]
Dried Chili Peppers (600g): 15,000 KRW
Stemless Dried Chili Peppers (600g): 17,000 KRW

*All "Chilgapmaru" dried peppers sold at the festival are thoroughly washed and strictly sorted for premium quality!

🎁 [BONUS REWARDS]
Free parcel shipping included!
Buy 6kg of Dried Chili Peppers ➔ Get 10,000 KRW in Cheongyang Gift Certificates
Buy 2kg of Chili Powder ➔ Get 5,000 KRW in Cheongyang Gift Certificates

JIRO Local Now

So far, we’ve explored the rich heritage and stories behind the chili peppers of Goesan and Cheongyang.


Chili peppers bring that essential, vibrant flavor to our everyday meals, and discovering these stories makes us even more grateful to the farmers and local communities in both regions.


If you are planning a trip to Korea, why not experience the fiery excitement of these local chili pepper festivals firsthand? 🌢️✨


We will be back soon with more inspiring stories from across Korea. Stay tuned!

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