The Reason for Long Lines in Yokji Island Village, Tongyeong... Have You Heard of Donuts Made with Gogume?

"Gomewon Donut" Gains Fame for Its Unique Taste
"Sells Out Before You Know It"
Tongyeong City: "A Regional Gourmet Specialty Boosting the Local Economy"

Have you heard of "Gomewon Donut"?

On Yokji Island in Tongyeong, South Gyeongsang Province, which is known as a premier destination for relaxation and healing, there is more than just the "island" itself. Here, visitors can enjoy a variety of attractions and experiences that make their trip even more special.

On the main island of Yokji, located 32 kilometers by sea from Tongyeong Port, about 1,500 residents live, and nearly 40% of them are elderly. In this fishing village, there is a place that draws crowds of young people every weekend. The main attraction is a shop near the entrance of Yokji Island's No. 1 Suspension Bridge, where "Sweet Potato Donuts" and "Sweet Potato Latte" are sold.

The "Gomewon Donut" made here is handcrafted and sold in limited quantities, appealing to those seeking a unique taste. When the daily batch is ready, the demand is so high that people line up early to get their hands on it. The donuts sell out in an instant, with long lines forming and the products disappearing quickly. It has gained a reputation as a "favorite" snack that is so popular, it often sells out before everyone can buy it.

Customers are lined up in front of the Gomewon store waiting to buy products.

The most distinctive feature of Gomewon Donut is that it uses sweet potatoes from Yokji Island as the main ingredient, combined with kelp from Gijang, Busan, which is rich in dietary fiber, and apples, all mixed together using a patented steaming and extraction method to make the filling. The dough is made by mixing water boiled with kelp and apples with a natural fermentation starter, then allowing it to ferment.

After shaping the dough, it is first baked in the oven and then lightly fried in oil, which brings out the natural sweetness of the ingredients and creates a clean, not overly sweet flavor that doesn't become tiresome. Known for being low in calories and fat but high in fiber, this healthy donut has become a signature gourmet food of Tongyeong.

Kim Nayeon, CEO of Gomewon, said, "To preserve the natural, healthy sweetness of the main ingredients?sweet potatoes and apples?we use almost no artificial sweeteners, unlike regular donuts. This appeals not only to adults but also to children." She proudly added that once people try it, they always come back for more.

She also explained, "The sweet potato latte is made using the same patented Gomewon Donut filling, which is aged for a certain period and then mixed with milk and other ingredients to deliver the unique mild flavor of sweet potatoes and the nutrition of kelp."

Launched in 2018, Gomewon Donut has passed strict reviews of its production facilities, manufacturing process, and quality control, and has been officially designated as a premium specialty product by Tongyeong City. In 2020, it was also designated as a leading farm in the agricultural processing industry by Tongyeong City. The manufacturing method for Gomewon Donut is patented, and the donuts are made using locally produced ingredients.

An official from Tongyeong City said, "We hope Gomewon Donut will become a regional specialty on par with Gyeongju Hwangnam Bread or Cheonan Walnut Cookies," and added, "As the popularity of the donut increases, it will have a ripple effect, promoting the region and attracting tourists, which will help revitalize the local economy."

Now established as a must-visit attraction on Yokji Island, Gomewon is located at "Pacific Hill," near the entrance to Pelican Rock and Yokji Island's landmark No. 1 Suspension Bridge. From here, visitors can enjoy panoramic views of Hallyeohaesang National Park, the Pacific Ocean, and Yokji Port, making it a beloved spot for many tourists.