Haenam’s historic downtown along Haru-gil is rapidly transforming into a themed street centered on chocolate. As part of a commercial revitalization program supported by the Ministry of SMEs and Startups, Haenam-gun is redeveloping the area, with “Chocolate Street” positioned as one of its flagship projects.
The project covers the Eumnae-ri and Seongnae-ri areas, the commercial heart of Haenam-eup, where artisan chocolate shops, workshops, and visitor experience spaces are being developed. From 2024 to 2025, local residents and merchants took part in a chocolate academy program, and many graduates have since launched or expanded their own businesses. As a result, five local artisan chocolate shops are now operating in the district.
These shops highlight Haenam’s regional character by using local specialties such as sweet potatoes and chestnut pumpkin in their chocolate products. By using high-quality ingredients and developing signature items for each store, the district is strengthening its local brand identity while also encouraging cultural tourism in the downtown area.
“Dalkkeut Choco,” the main hub of Chocolate Street, offers a wide range of locally made chocolates and operates hands-on workshops where visitors can make their own chocolate. “Ttangkkeut Hobakdang,” which opened in November last year, has gained attention for its chocolate desserts made with Haenam-grown chestnut pumpkin. “Gongsimdang,” which began operations in December, features chocolate pies and chewy sweet potato cookies made with premium cocoa powder and fresh cream.
“Pinancier,” widely known nationwide for its Haenam sweet potato bread, has expanded into a hybrid shop that also sells pavé chocolates alongside its signature products. Meanwhile, the “Oneulharu” shop on the second floor of Maeil Market produces and sells chocolate terrine, serving as a natural link between the traditional market and Chocolate Street.
As artisan chocolate shops have gathered along Haru-gil, the area has emerged as Korea’s first Chocolate Street, bringing renewed vitality to the historic downtown district. The county has enhanced the streetscape with ribbon-themed installations and photo zones and continues to promote annual revitalization programs such as the “Ttangkkeut Sweet Night Festival.” Guided by the street concept, “Today Is a Gift,” the district weaves images of chocolate, gifts, and love throughout the area.
More than a visual upgrade, the project has created a practical model for commercial revitalization that leads directly to new businesses and real sales. Haenam-gun plans to further strengthen the brand value of “Haenam Chocolate Street” through the development of local creators and seasonal themed events.
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Source: Haenam-gun Office© Korea.info