Chuseok and wedding return gifts: Dangjin Gireumjip, a Daejeon oil

Sesame oil gifts for Chuseok, weddings, and Daejeon return gifts — Dangjin Gireumjip. I cook a lot of dishes that use sesame oil and perilla oil regularly, like bibimbap, gimbap, pan-fried tofu, and various namul (seasoned vegetable) side dishes. When it was time to restock, I went back to Dangjin Gireumjip inside Taepyeong Market in Daejeon, and this time I picked up a special gift set.

Today I'm introducing the sesame and perilla oil gift set from Dangjin Gireumjip, a great Daejeon return-gift option.

Where is Dangjin Gireumjip, and what are its hours?

Dangjin Gireumjip is located in Taepyeong Market, a sesame and perilla oil specialty shop now in its second generation, passed from father-in-law to daughter-in-law. Last time I bought oil pressed from Chinese sesame seeds, and honestly, for the price, the aroma and nuttiness were excellent — I was very satisfied. So this time I came back for the domestic sesame and perilla oil gift set I trust for Daejeon gifting.

• Location: Inside Taepyeong Market, Jung-gu, Daejeon (close to Daejeon landmarks like Sungsimdang)
• Hours: Mon–Sat 9:30 AM–6:00 PM (closed Sundays)
• Main items: Sesame oil, perilla oil, oat flour, roasted sesame seeds
• Other conveniences: Certified Centenary Small Business Master shop, easy online ordering via Naver Smart Store, Zero Pay and local currency accepted, reservations and packing/delivery available

100% whole sesame, cold-pressed: the Hundred-Year Artisan method

Dangjin Gireumjip has carried on the father-in-law's philosophy since 1980, with the daughter-in-law now running the 45-year-old shop as the second generation. They never use low-quality ground sesame powder, using only carefully selected 100% whole sesame seeds, and stick to a cold-press method that avoids over-roasting — no benzopyrene worries, they say, just clean, rich, unburnt flavor.

Having held the same spot for over 30 years and sold more than one million bottles cumulatively, the shop is officially registered as a 'Centenary Small Business Master' certified by the Ministry of SMEs and Startups.

Back after the Chinese sesame oil, this time for the Korean gift set

Last visit, I bought and tried the Chinese-sesame oil, and the aroma and nuttiness were really excellent for the price — I was very satisfied. So this time, trusting the shop, I repurchased the domestic sesame and perilla oil gift set to give to people I care about.

From the box packaging to the string finish around the bottle neck, the wrapping was clean and upscale, making it a perfect choice for Chuseok or Lunar New Year gifts, as well as wedding or first-birthday (doljanchi) return gifts.

I mainly used this oil to make pan-fried tofu with perilla oil, bibimbap, seasoned namul, and stir-fried seaweed stem with meat sauce, among other dishes — all of them turned out delicious.

The bottle label notes that both the perilla oil and sesame oil have sold over a million bottles. With that kind of cumulative sales record, I think the flavor guarantee speaks for itself — game over.

Inside the Dangjin Gireumjip shop at Taepyeong Market

On top of the display case sit a retro dial telephone and cute lumpy monchhichi-style dolls, adding a warm, nostalgic feel to the traditional market atmosphere. There's also a bell you can press if no one's around, so it's easy and comfortable to use.

The owner has a really kind face too, giving off the exact vibe of someone who presses oil with skill and care.

Why this gift set works for Chuseok and wedding return gifts

Every time I visit Dangjin Gireumjip in Daejeon's Taepyeong Market, I see veteran housewife customers who know oil flavor better than anyone still coming in. Watching them carefully check the ingredients and aroma before buying only strengthened my sense that 'this is truly the real deal.'

The Dangjin Gireumjip gift set is a perfect pick for upcoming Chuseok or Lunar New Year gifts, as well as wedding return gifts, first birthdays, and holiday return gifts.

Thanks to its deep, honest flavor that brings out the full character of seasoned namul or stir-fried dishes, it's a premium gift set that anyone, of any age or gender, would be happy to receive. If you're looking for the rich, heartfelt taste of a traditional Daejeon market, I highly recommend a visit.