”K-FOOD” attracts renewed attention at APEC

As Korean food, or "K-food," becomes popular worldwide, the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) summit will begin in Gyeongju in the southeast on the 31st.
Ahead of the event, the Korean newspaper Dong-A Ilbo reported that the event will be an important opportunity to showcase "gastro diplomacy (food diplomacy)." Amid what is being called the "fourth Korean wave boom," exports of "K-food" last year
The total amount exceeded 13 billion dollars (approximately 1.9559 trillion yen), the highest ever. Export items include ramen, confectionery, beverages, kimchi, and many other items, and the number of export destinations for agricultural products increased from 199 countries in the previous year.
The number one exported food item was ramen, which increased by 31.1% from the previous year to $1,248.5 million. Ramen is now exported to more than 13 countries around the world. Other exported items include confectionery,
The increase was 17.4%, beverages 15.8%, sauces 4.1%, coffee 2.7%, processed rice foods 38.4%, and kimchi 5.2%.
K-food is also increasing its presence in the Japanese food market. The Food Industry Newspaper describes "K-food" as follows:
With the popularity of K-POP and Korean TV series as a backdrop, it has been gaining attention in the food industry since around 2003, and in recent years, it has been on the rise due to the development of social media, the spread of video streaming services, and the fourth Korean wave boom.
Taking advantage of this, some chain stores are planning to enter the Japanese market. According to the newspaper, the Korean hamburger chain "MOM'S TOUCH" is planning to open in 2024.
The first store in Shibuya has been visited by approximately 700,000 people within a year of its opening, with cumulative sales exceeding 500 million yen. They plan to increase the number of stores in Japan in the future.
The article reported on the activities of Japanese food manufacturers that are focusing on product development. In September last year, Korean food giant CJ CheilJedang opened a "bibigo Mart" in Tokyo that sells its main products.
" opened. They sell frozen foods and cup meals, including Korean-style dumplings "Mandu." The sales floor also has a dining area and a photo zone, and the company's brand "bibigo" is displayed.
According to the "2024 Foreign Tourist Survey" released by the Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism of South Korea in May, the number one reason foreign tourists visit South Korea is to "exploring food" (62.
8%). Reporting on the results, Dong-A Ilbo said, "For many years, shopping has been the number one reason foreigners visit Korea, but starting in 2022, K-food will surpass shopping and take the top spot."
"In a survey conducted last year by global travel platform Agoda, South Korea was also ranked as the number one gourmet travel destination in Asia," he explained.
The paper then reported that "A wide variety of Korean foods, including kimchi, ramen, and chicken, will be available at the APEC summit."
The APEC summit will be held in Gyeongju, South Korea from the 31st of this month. This will be the first time that the APEC summit has been held in South Korea in 20 years, since the 2005 summit was held in Busan, in the south of the country.
The Korean Chamber of Commerce and Industry (KCCI) is hoping to ensure the success of the APEC summit and restore Korea's international standing, which was shaken by the "emergency martial law" imposed under the previous administration of President Yoon Seok-yeol.
Based on an analysis conducted jointly with a consulting firm, the economic impact of hosting APEC is estimated to be 7.4 trillion won (approximately 790 billion yen).
The analysis puts the total impact at 4.1 trillion won, with the medium- to long-term indirect impact at 4.1 trillion won. Korean food manufacturers are hoping that "gastro diplomacy" (food diplomacy) will be developed at APEC.
According to the Dong-A Ilbo, CJ CheilJedang will provide cup rice and tteokbokki (fried rice cakes) to the accommodation facilities and media centers of those visiting Korea for APEC-related events.
Nongshim, known for its ramen, will be setting up a booth serving ramen in collaboration with the popular anime "K-Pop Girls! Demon Hunters."
The newspaper also said, "The official dinner on the 31st will be an opportunity to impress APEC leaders with Korean food," and added, "The menu for the dinner will be announced on the day."
The restaurant will be opened in Gyeongju, and Korean-American chef Edward Lee will team up with a chef from Lotte Hotel to serve the dishes. Possible ingredients include Korean beef, flounder, and abalone, which are Gyeongju specialties.
The paper then pointed out, "This APEC is a great opportunity to make a strong impression on the world stage about K-food, which is gaining attention along with the popularity of Korean content."
"We hope that they will work together to widely spread the word about the superiority and appeal of Korean food."