The Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism and the Korea Tourism Organization have announced the selection of 33 regional signature dishes as part of Korea’s food tourism initiative. Under the newly developed brand “Taste Your Korea,” these dishes aim to attract foreign tourists by highlighting Korea’s culinary diversity and rich flavors.
Introducing “Taste Your Korea”
“Taste Your Korea” is a brand designed to promote the diverse flavors of Korean cuisine. It is an extension of the existing “Imagine Your Korea” brand, using the colors of soy sauce, red chili paste, and soybean paste to emphasize the healthiness and taste of Korean food. The brand’s imagery includes chopsticks holding food, symbolizing the enjoyment of Korean cuisine by travelers.
The 33 Signature Food Tourism Contents
The Food Tourism Advisory Committee selected 33 items across three categories: regional signature dishes, seasonal ingredients, and traditional liquors. The selection includes 15 regional dishes, 15 seasonal ingredients, and 3 traditional liquors, chosen based on their regional representation, appeal to foreign visitors, and potential to motivate local visits.
Regional Signature Dishes:
- Gyeonggi-do Suwon: Wang Galbi (Grilled Ribs)
- Gyeonggi-do Uijeongbu: Budae Jjigae (Army Stew)
- Incheon: Ganjang Gejang (Soy Sauce Marinated Crab),
- Incheon: Jjajangmyeon (Black Bean Noodles)
- Gangwon-do Chuncheon: Dak Galbi (Spicy Stir-fried Chicken)
- Gangwon-do Hoengseong: Hanwoo (Korean Beef)
- Gangwon-do Gangneung: Chodang Soft Tofu
- Daejeon: Kalguksu (Knife-Cut Noodles)
- Jeollabuk-do Jeonju: Bibimbap (Mixed Rice)
- Jeollanam-do Damyang: Tteok Galbi (Grilled Short Rib Patties)
- Gwangju: Yukjeon (Pan-fried Beef Slices)
- Gyeongsangbuk-do Andong: Jjimdak (Braised Chicken)
- Daegu: Fried Chicken
- Busan: Dwaeji Gukbap (Pork Rice Soup)
- Jeju: Black Pork
Regional Seasonal Ingredients:
- Gangwon-do Pyeongchang: Wild Greens
- Gangwon-do Yangyang: Mushrooms
- Chungcheongnam-do Hongseong: Sailfin Sandfish
- Chungcheongnam-do Geumsan: Ginseng
- Jeollabuk-do Gochang: Eel
- Jeollabuk-do Sunchang: Fermented Paste
- Jeollanam-do Wando: Seaweed
- Jeollanam-do Wando: Abalone
- Jeollanam-do Muan: Octopus
- Jeollanam-do Mokpo: Skate
- Jeollanam-do Yeosu: Conger Eel
- Gyeongsangbuk-do Uljin: King Crab
- Gyeongsangnam-do Hadong: Freshwater Clams
- Gyeongsangnam-do Tongyeong: Oysters
- Busan: Pufferfish
Regional Traditional Liquors:
- Chungcheongnam-do Seocheon: Sogokju
- Gyeonggi-do Yangpyeong: Makgeolli (Rice Wine)
- Gyeongsangbuk-do Andong: Soju
Enhancing Food Tourism and Local Economies
The new “Taste Your Korea” brand and content aim to boost the recognition and preference for Korean food tourism, attract gourmet tourists from abroad, and contribute to local economic revitalization. Kim Geun-ho, Director of Tourism Industry Policy at the Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism, stated, “We will actively develop food tourism content that includes the delicious stories of our food, allowing foreigners to enjoy a sensory-rich trip to Korea.”