【Danyang=KoreaPlus】Reporter Bong Ji Hyun= Mushroom hunt with Dokkaebi.
Starting September of 2023, somewhat quiet town of Banggok-ri will once again be booming with people in search of mushrooms. After the next projected rain, actual mushroom season will start and that is when the mushroom defenders will be tough at work.
Banggok-ri is very well known for their abundance of Pine mushrooms as well as Sarcodon Aspratus mushrooms, also known as Shingled Hedgehog mushroom. These two mushrooms, along with many others, are sorted out by many mushroom enthusiasts, professional mushroom hunters, and many locals.
Mushroom season can be hard for many residents, with strangers hiking and trespassing their land, without any regards of time and privacy. During this time, many individuals are hired to guard the town’s territory to prevent illegal trespassers from harvesting these quality mushrooms.
Why are they so special? Among many species of mushrooms, the Pine Mushroom (Songi) is classed to be the most highly priced fungi with its unique and strong pine scent and its worth can range up to 500,000won per kilo. Pine mushrooms are available for harvest for only 2 months of the year and solely grow in clean natural sunny environment under pine trees. They are rarely visible to beginners and are intricate even for professionals to attain.
Second on the list is the Sarcodon Aspratus mushrooms (Neungi), also commonly called Shingled Hedgehog Mushroom. With is beautiful and intricate pattern, it also has a unique woody scent and firm texture and it also has many health benefits. Although not as pricey as the Pine mushrooms, it can also reach up to 300,000won per kilo. It usually grows in clumps in shadier areas around oak trees.
Much preparation has already started to be ready for the mushroom hunting rush, getting every personnel prepared to harvest or guard. Roping off guarded areas will begin within a day or two to remind intruders of their boundaries.