In the next five years, promoters of Korean gastronomy wish to make Korean food as popular and ubiquitous as Japanese sushi around the world.
Next month, the country’s gastro-diplomacy efforts will get a major momentum when the PyeongChang Olympics bring the world to South Korea’s doorsteps and shine the spotlight brightly on its rich and varied culture, most importantly its cuisine.
As part of its efforts to elevate Korean gastronomy to the same level as Chinese, Japanese, Thai and Vietnamese foods, the Korean Food Promotion (KFMI) Institute has launched an aggressive campaigns in key markets around the world, in order to attract the attention of the local food media.
More than a dozen local food journalists have accepted an invitation by the Korean institute to dine at one of the hottest restaurants in Paris, Pierre Sang.
While K-food may have successfully penetrated the mainstream dining scene in urban centers across North America and Asia, it’s still a relatively lesser known cuisine for France and other parts of the world.
The Korean food institute has been targeting countries like France and Italy, who already have a strong gastronomic culture, and to set up collaborations with local star chefs.
Today, there are approximately 100 Korean food joints in Paris, including some of the city’s most fashionable eateries like Pierre Sang, Mandoobar, which specializes in Korean dumplings, and Hero, which dishes up KFC — Korean Fried Chicken.
Tags: korean tourism
