RESCENE's WONI turns Geoje pocha into viral pilgrimage site

A small pocha in Geoje, Gyeongsangnam-do, has become a sudden 'pilgrimage' site following a visit from RESCENE member WONI. While the explosive increase in customers has caused sales to skyrocket, the owner has shared unexpected difficulties, including operational challenges and civil complaints.

Owner A, who operates the pocha near Deokpo Beach in Geoje, posted an apology to customers via SNS on the 17th.

“Since it is a small-scale shop, waiting times become long when many people flock in,” A explained, adding, “In particular, we can only cook two chickens at a time, so it takes a long time.”

“I am sorry to the customers who may have felt offended due to my immature handling of things because it has been so hectic,” A continued. “I am truly grateful to those who traveled from far away to visit. I wish everyone happiness.”

The message was an apology regarding the recent surge in visitors, which had made it difficult to maintain smooth service.

The pocha gained fame through WONI's YouTube channel. She introduced the shop to her followers, noting that she visited so frequently that even her mother and the owner were acquainted.

Interest from fans grew even further when members of RESCENE were seen visiting the location on the MBC variety show 'The Manager,' which aired on the 11th.

Following the broadcast, the pocha became known to fans as “WONI's Tasty Restaurant” and emerged as a must-visit destination for those traveling to Geoje, leading to a continuous procession of so-called “pilgrimages.”

However, the popularity, which exceeded all expectations, has brought new worries to the owner.

In a recent interview, Owner A shared his struggles with a laugh, saying, “It's killing me. Customers came as soon as we opened the doors today.” He added, “Sales have increased about 3 to 4 times,” but noted, “Since the shop is small, it is difficult to accommodate everyone when customers flock in.”

He also mentioned issues regarding civil complaints related to operating outdoor tables.

“While business is good, there are also people who report us. I even visited the City Hall because someone claimed the tables in front of the shop were illegal,” he stated.

Due to the small scale of the shop, the owner set up outdoor tables to accommodate the influx of visitors, but the business has found itself in a difficult position due to complaints regarding the setup.

The owner lamented, “Deokpo has become known and many customers come, but when they actually arrive, there is nowhere to sit and the shop is small. I am worried that those who traveled from far away will be disappointed.”

Under the Food Sanitation Act, occupying a sidewalk for outdoor business without reporting is, in principle, restricted, and violating relevant standards can lead to fines or business suspension. However, legal outdoor business is possible depending on land ownership and whether permission has been granted by the local government.

As the connection with RESCENE's WONI has turned a small local pocha into a national sensation, the owner is working to find an operational plan that satisfies both customers and the local community amidst the sudden fame.