← The K-Food CalendarOctober 29, 2026 · 2026년 10월 29일
A Plate & A GlassMakgeolli Day (Last Thu of Oct)

Olchaengi Guksu

올챙이국수
Ol-chaeng-i Guk-su

Gangwon corn-starch 'tadpole' noodles in cool broth

About the dish

Olchaengi guksu, 'tadpole noodles,' is a Gangwon-do specialty: a thick corn porridge pressed through a perforated mold so the drops set in cold water into little tadpole shapes. It is a humble treat from mountain villages where corn was plentiful and helped keep meals on the table.

Key ingredient

Corn (oksusu) — the germ is rich in linoleic acid, an essential fatty acid that is traditionally believed to help maintain healthy cholesterol levels and helps support wellness around hardening of the arteries; abundant, filling fiber aids weight control and supports healthy digestion. In season in July, mainly from Gangwon.

Ingredients

Main: corn flour, water · Seasoning: soy sauce, red-pepper powder, chopped scallion, crumbled gim

Simple recipe

  1. Simmer the corn starch into a thick paste.
  2. Press it through a perforated mold into cold water to form tadpole-shaped noodles.
  3. Scoop the noodles into a bowl.
  4. Spoon over the soy seasoning sauce.
  5. Serve Gangwon-style with kimchi alongside.

▶ Watch recipe videos

A Glass · Traditional pairing

Sulheneunbam
Durujeontongyangjo · Gangwon · ABV 8%

Sulheneunbam (Durujeontongyangjo, Gangwon) — a cloudy rice makgeolli at 8% ABV, chosen to pair with today's dish.

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