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| Photo=MBC Every1 |
[Sports Today reporter Kim Tae-hyung] Paco and his French friends indulged in an over-the-top, unforgettable hanjeongsik feast in Jeonju.
On the broadcast on the 2nd of MBC Every1’s ‘어서와 한국은 처음이지?’ (Welcome, It’s Your First Time in Korea?), self-declared K-traditions superfan Paco finally took the long-awaited trip to Jeonju. He’d told friends back in France he wanted to experience real Korean life and traditions, and standing in the heart of Korean culture moved him deeply — a moment that radiated warmth to viewers.
On the morning of day three, Paco could barely contain his excitement. He greeted the day by bursting into the self-penned \”Jeonju Song\” while getting ready, his giddy energy setting the tone for the group. That buzz followed them on the road: friends trying a Korean premium intercity bus for the first time were stunned by the comfort, quipping, \”Even planes don’t have this,\” and, \”This isn’t a bus — it’s a bed.\”
Paco’s presence lit up Jeonju the moment they arrived. A taxi driver recognized him as soon as they hailed a cab, prompting Paco to gush, \”I’m so happy!\” as he chatted with the driver. When the driver admitted, \”I want to go to France to see Paco,\” Paco — who had just fulfilled his own dream of visiting Korea — wholeheartedly encouraged the driver’s dream, creating a touching cross-border moment. He even gifted the driver an Eiffel Tower keyring from France, adding a sweet, personal touch.
The trip’s peak was unquestionably the 25-course Jeonju hanjeongsik. The group was captivated by servers in hanbok, a decorative mother-of-pearl chest, and the ondol heated floors — the room felt like a living museum, sparking thoughtful conversation. They were briefly thrown by legless chairs and floor seating, but when the spectacular spread arrived, surprise quickly turned into cheers. Paco exclaimed it felt like stepping into a royal era and happily tucked into the meal, savoring every regal bite.
True to form for visitors from France, the friends offered sharp and playful takes on Korean cuisine. Watching the group enjoy sinseollo, Fabien likened it to the French pot-au-feu and explained why it would appeal to French palates. Food aficionado Max compared the braised short ribs (galbijjim) to France’s boeuf bourguignon after his first bite, declaring, \”It’s way better than bourguignon. I pledge my loyalty to galbijjim.\” His enthusiastic praise had everyone laughing.
The standout challenge was sampling hong-eo samhap — fermented skate paired with kimchi and pork — a dish that divides even Koreans. Max waved the white flag, joking, \”It feels like something’s pulling at my nose.\” But Paco and Jamil surprised everyone by praising it. Paco said, \”Something rises to the nose — that’s the kick. Tradition is beautiful,\” while Jamil raved about the jelly-like texture. Fabien pointed out that since French people love pungent cheeses, they could easily appreciate the skate’s unique aroma and flavor, which everyone nodded along to.
The feast didn’t stop when the main courses ended: rice with siraegi doenjang soup, scorched rice, and sikhye arrived in succession. Although stuffed, the friends cheered with happy exclamations. After finishing the flawless meal, Paco joked, \”I’m not going back to France. I’m moving to Korea!\” — a playful declaration that had the group in stitches.
The episode teaser showed them learning pansori and letting loose, building excitement for the next stop.
Meanwhile, MBC Every1’s ‘어서와 한국은 처음이지?’ airs every Thursday at 8:30 PM.
[Sports Today reporter Kim Tae-hyung ent@stoo.com]
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