Autumn is for Daeha: 2026 West Coast Prawn Festivals and How to Enjoy Salt-Grilled King Prawns

Autumn, arriving with its cool breezes, is the season for gourmands. September, in particular, is the best time to taste plump daeha prawns. Across the West Coast, festivals celebrating seasonal daeha prawns are in full swing. This article covers everything about these prawns, from information on major 2026 West Coast prawn festivals to how to enjoy salt-grilled king prawns at home and a recipe for butter-fried shrimp heads using the leftovers.

Comparing Major 2026 West Coast Prawn Festivals

As of September 2026, major prawn festivals are being held on the West Coast in Hongseong and Taean, Chungnam Province. It's a good idea to compare the features of the two festivals when planning your visit. You can find more information about autumn festivals on the Autumn Festival Calendar.

The prices at the Hongseong Namdanghang Festival are based on farmed whiteleg shrimp. The dine-in price includes the cost of the table setting for salt-grilling. (As of August 2026)

Hongseong Namdanghang vs. Taean Anmyeondo: Which to Choose?

Both festivals have their own unique charms.

The Hongseong Namdanghang Port Prawn Festival runs for nearly two months until early November, allowing for a more relaxed visit. The festival has standardized the prices of prawns for both takeout and dine-in, creating a trustworthy environment for visitors. Regular programs like the bare-hand prawn catching experience and a tourist singing contest are held, with a special Chuseok performance scheduled for September 25 and 26.

The Taean Anmyeondo Baeksajang Prawn Festival, which opened on September 12, concludes today (September 19, 2026). As it is held intensively over a short period, you can experience the vibrant atmosphere on its final day. If you're planning a visit today, it's best to be quick.

Wild Daeha Prawns vs. Farmed Whiteleg Shrimp: Know What You're Eating

Although they are often collectively called 'daeha', most of what you find on the market are farmed 'whiteleg shrimp'. Wild daeha prawns and whiteleg shrimp can be easily distinguished by their appearance.

• How to tell them apart: Check the horn (rostrum) on the prawn's head. If the rostrum extends far beyond the tip of the snout, it is a wild daeha prawn. If the rostrum is shorter or of a similar length to the snout, it is a whiteleg shrimp.
• Price and Availability: The supply of wild daeha prawns fluctuates with the catch volume, and their low quantity results in higher prices. They are typically sold for about ₩20,000 more per kg than farmed whiteleg shrimp. If you want to buy wild daeha prawns at a festival or market, it's crucial to check the rostrum length and confirm with the seller.

Salt-Grilled King Prawns: A Step-by-Step Guide for Home

You can recreate the festival's flavor right in your own home. With a few simple tricks, you can make perfectly moist salt-grilled prawns without damaging your frying pan.

1. Prepare: Line the bottom of a frying pan with cooking foil to protect its coating. Spread an even layer of coarse salt (sea salt) 1-2 cm thick on top. (As of October 2022)
2. Preheat: Cover the pan with a lid and heat on high for 3-5 minutes. You'll know it's preheated when the salt begins to pop and crackle. (As of October 2020)
3. Grill: Place the cleaned prawns on the salt in a single layer, ensuring they don't overlap. Reduce the heat to medium. Cover the pan and cook for 4-5 minutes on one side, then flip and cook for another 4-5 minutes, for a total of 8-10 minutes. (As of October 2020)
4. Finish: Turn off the heat as soon as the prawns turn red and curl into a C-shape. Overcooking makes the meat dry, so for extra moistness, leave the lid on and let them steam in the residual heat for 1-2 minutes. (As of October 2022)

No-Waste Prawns: Recipe for Butter-Fried Heads

Prawn heads, full of savory tomalley, are a delicacy. With this simple recipe, you can make a fantastic snack to go with drinks.

1. Prepare: Take the leftover heads from your salt-grilled prawns. When detaching the heads, leave about 1 cm of the body meat attached to help keep the tomalley from leaking. (As of August 2024) Pat the surface of the heads completely dry with a paper towel; this prevents oil splatters and helps them become crispy. (As of December 2020)
2. Cook (Choose one)
   • Frying Pan: Melt butter (15-20g per 20 prawn heads) in a pan over low to medium-low heat. Add the heads and pan-fry, flipping occasionally, until golden brown. (As of January 2021)
   • Air Fryer: Toss the heads in melted butter and cook in an air fryer preheated to 180℃ (355°F) for 8-10 minutes. (As of December 2020)
3. How to Eat: Hold the bottom of the hot head (the leg area) and grasp the tip of the top horn, then pull it back. The hard, helmet-like upper shell will come off. Discard the sharp rostrum, the hard upper shell, and the eyes, as they can be sharp, and eat the savory tomalley and meat inside. (As of October 2024)

Frequently Asked Questions

Q. Is it cheaper to buy prawns outside of the festival period or at a nearby fish market? A. Prices vary depending on the time and location. Some festivals, like the one at Hongseong Namdanghang, standardize prices to increase reliability. In contrast, prices at a general fish market can fluctuate based on daily market rates and haggling. Festivals have the added benefit of offering various attractions and foods to enjoy. When visiting a festival, please check on-site whether the September Autumn Festival Munhwa Nuri Card is accepted.

Q. Can I buy wild daeha prawns anywhere? A. No. Most of what is sold at restaurants and festival sites are high-quality farmed whiteleg shrimp. Wild daeha prawns are only caught in small amounts during a specific season, making them rare and expensive. Instead of simply trusting a "wild-caught" sign, it's best to check the prawn's rostrum length yourself before purchasing.

Q. Are there any good tips for visiting a prawn festival? A. No separate reservations are needed for entry to the festival grounds. Traffic can be heavy during lunch and dinner on weekends and public holidays, and popular restaurants may have long waits, so visiting on a weekday is a good alternative. If you plan to purchase for takeout, we recommend bringing an icebox to keep the prawns fresh. Pairing your festival visit with a trip to nearby autumn foliage spots is a great way to make your fall trip even richer.