Government Unveils Ambitious Plan Including Expansion of Overseas Korean Restaurants and Culinary Tourism Initiatives

Korean cuisine at Cote, Courtesy of COTE

The Korean government has announced a target to double the size of the Korean food industry, aiming for a total of 300 trillion won ($226.5 billion) by 2027, a significant increase from the 152 trillion won recorded in 2021.

As part of this ambitious plan, the Ministry of Agriculture, Food and Rural Affairs is eyeing a 51 percent expansion in the number of overseas Korean restaurants. The goal is to surpass 15,000 establishments by 2027, up from 9,923 in 2020. Additionally, the Ministry aims to increase the count of Michelin-starred Korean restaurants to 100 by 2027, currently standing at 31. 

▲ Korean cuisine at Cote, Courtesy of COTETo boost culinary tourism in Korea, the ministry is developing comprehensive tour packages that integrate agriculture with various themes such as fermentation culture, traditional Korean cuisine, seasonal dishes, and trending culinary delights. Under themes like traditional liquor, immersive tourism experiences covering the entire food culture journey, from ingredient production sites to breweries, are being created. The plan includes introducing a trial agriculture-gourmet tourism package this year, with a goal of having 15 by 2027 and 30 by 2032.

Educational programs will be expanded to nurture expertise in Korean culinary professionals. The ministry aims to increase the number of education recipients from 250 to 600 by 2027, with both culinary students and practitioners participating.

Internship opportunities at Michelin-star Korean restaurants will be provided for aspiring young chefs, and plans are underway to introduce regular Korean culinary courses at five international culinary schools by 2027, starting with two this year.

The ministry is actively working to promote key Korean culinary terms globally, including gim (dried seaweed), makgeolli (Korean rice wine), and galbi (marinated ribs). The selection process considers factors such as international preferences, industry significance, and expert input, with the final 10 terms to be decided later.

On the event front, South Korea is set to host the "Asia's 50 Best Restaurants" international gastronomic event from March 24 to 26. The ministry is also working towards establishing a global conference on Korean cuisine hosted by the Korean Food Promotion Institute, aiming to make it an annual event with invitations extended to culinary experts worldwide.

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Kelly.K, pittou8181@gmail.com