Chungnam's Charms Promoted Nationwide Through Variety Show

Chungnam's Diverse Charms Unveiled Nationwide
Second Episode of "OknaeU" to Air on May 11
Experience Local Food and Unique Activities in Chungnam

MBN OknaeU program scheduled as a special feature for the Year of Visiting Chungnam. / Provided by Chungnam Province

Chungnam Province is widely promoting its diverse cultural and tourism resources nationwide through a TV variety show.

The province announced on May 8 that the second episode of the MBN variety program "OknaeU," which showcases the many charms of Chungnam, will air on May 11 at 9:30 p.m.

“OknaeU,” a variety show planned as a special feature for the "2025-2026 Year of Visiting Chungnam," features a large cast of entertainers from Chungnam, including Choi Hyangrak, Nam Heeseok, Hong Seokcheon, and Shin Sung. The first episode introduced spring travel destinations in Chungnam and received an enthusiastic response. In this second episode, the show will offer a deeper exploration of the region and present unique experiences.

In the upcoming second episode, comedian Nam Heeseok will personally act as a guide, visiting Buyeo in Chungnam to introduce unique activities available at Baekmagang River. The reactions of both foreign cast members and stars from Chungnam, who were visibly amazed by these experiences, will be broadcast.

Next, in Seocheon County, the cast will visit the historic Ihabok House, which has a 150-year tradition, spending a night in the tranquil hanok and experiencing activities such as lighting a traditional furnace?an atmosphere rarely found in urban areas.

The final journey, joined by broadcaster Hong Seokcheon, who is originally from Cheongyang, takes place at the Chilgapsan Observatory in Cheongyang County. There, away from artificial lights, the cast is awed by the starlit sky. Hong Seokcheon commented, "I want to come back here with my parents."

In this episode, Nam Heeseok and Choi Hyangrak, the two hosts, each design different travel courses and compete in a "Chungnam Travel Guide Showdown." Viewers can find out who presented the more attractive side of Chungnam by watching the broadcast.

Another major segment of the show highlights "The Real Taste of Chungnam," where cast members who were born and raised in the province introduce local foods, delivering a deep sense of nostalgia and emotion.

The program will feature dishes such as Taean’s “Kkotge Ssamtang” (flower crab stew), Geumsan’s “Doribaengbaengi” and “Baggasari Maeuntang” (spicy catfish stew), Cheonan’s “Tojang Bokguk” (soybean paste blowfish soup), and Nonsan’s “Gimpitang” (a combination of kimchi, pizza, and sweet-and-sour pork), a popular dish among the MZ generation.

In particular, singer Shin Sung from Yesan energized the atmosphere by performing his new song live on the spot after tasting the spicy catfish stew. The cast expressed their admiration, saying, "I want to recreate this taste at home."

A provincial official stated, "Through this broadcast, we are introducing Chungnam's diverse tourism resources?nature, history, culture, and food?and conveying the value of genuine experiences that go beyond simple tourism. We hope that during the 2025-2026 Year of Visiting Chungnam, people will create unforgettable and heartwarming memories here with their loved ones."