Visitors sample Gwamegi dishes at the 2025 Pohang Guryongpo Gwamegi Launch National Promotion Event held at the National Assembly Members' Office Building. ⒸHanmi Ilbo

The 2025 Pohang Guryongpo Gwamegi Launch National Promotion Event was held in Seoul.

The event, held in the second seminar room of the National Assembly Members' Office Building in Yeongdeungpo-gu, Seoul on the morning of the 25th, was organized to promote 'Pohang Guryongpo Gwamegi', a winter delicacy that begins full-scale production around mid-November each year, nationwide and to expand the consumption of Gwamegi, a representative local specialty.

The venue was crowded with many attendees, including members of the National Assembly, journalists, creators, and distinguished guests including Pohang Mayor Lee Kang-deok.

In particular, the 'Plump Gwamegi' launched this year was named by the producers because the raw ingredient, Pacific saury, is plumper and more substantial than in previous years.

In fact, for the past few years, only small-sized Pacific saury have been caught, posing significant difficulties in quality control for Gwamegi.

However, this year, a large quantity of good-sized Pacific saury, L-size and above, were caught, resulting in the production of high-quality Gwamegi. This has led to an increase in production volume relative to the raw material. While an average of 250g of Gwamegi was produced from 10 saury over the past six years, this year it is 350g, allowing consumers to enjoy Gwamegi that is approximately 30% improved in quality for the same price.

At the event venue in the National Assembly Members' Office Building, a tasting event was held featuring Gwamegi prepared in various ways, including Gwamegi salad, Gwamegi sandwiches, Gwamegi fried snacks, Gwamegi skewers, and Gwamegi kimbap, attracting much attention.

Culinary Masters Lee Kyung-soon (left) and Jo Pil-ju of the Korean Cuisine Association presenting various Gwamegi dishes at the Pohang Guryongpo Gwamegi National Promotion Event. ⒸHanmi Ilbo

Culinary Masters Lee Kyung-soon and Jo Pil-ju of the Korean Cuisine Association setting up Gwamegi dishes. ⒸHanmi Ilbo

This year's Gwamegi is of good quality due to the large catch of good-sized Pacific saury, L-size and above. ⒸHanmi Ilbo

Culinary Masters Jo Pil-ju and Lee Kyung-soon of the Korean Cuisine Association, who departed from Pohang at 3 AM after working until 2 AM to be on time for the event, stated, "We had a difficult time due to the rain and traffic, but we hurried here with the determination to let many people know about Pohang Gwamegi."

Master Jo Pil-ju expressed regret, saying, "I'm sad that I couldn't bring Gwamegi hoe-muchim, which is truly delicious," adding, "I am grateful that so many people enjoyed the Gwamegi dishes."

The most popular dish of the day was undoubtedly the traditional Gwamegi salad, enjoyed wrapped in seaweed and gim. The plates were emptied so quickly that the two masters had to replenish them frequently.

One participant commented, "For my taste, the Gwamegi sandwich was the most delicious. It had a much fresher, nuttier, and healthier taste than those made with ham."

Jwa Dong-geun, Chairman of the Pohang Guryongpo Gwamegi Cooperative, stated, "This year's Gwamegi has a rich flesh, providing an excellent texture. Pohang Guryongpo Gwamegi is produced in facilities with excellent sanitation, so you can trust and enjoy it."

He also added, "Gwamegi enthusiasts who tasted this year's Gwamegi are giving rave reviews, saying it's finally real Gwamegi after a long time."

Gwamegi, which is rich in calcium, omega-3 fatty acids, asparagine, and vitamins, was traditionally known among Pohang citizens. Thirty-two years ago, Pohang City began promoting it as a local specialty, nurturing it into a winter staple food for the nation.

Gwamegi is also known to help boost immunity and is considered an excellent accompaniment to alcoholic beverages. It can also be enjoyed as a side dish or snack with various seaweeds and vegetables, solidifying its position as a representative food that people crave during winter.

This event was hosted by National Assembly members Kim Jeong-jae and Lee Sang-hwi, whose constituencies are in Pohang, and organized by Pohang City and Kyeongbuk Maeil Newspaper.