Busan Aims to Become a Global Culinary Hotspot with Food Culture Conference

Busan, South Korea – Busan is set to host the 2024 Food Culture Improvement Conference today at Domoheon in Suyeong-gu. The event will bring together over 100 participants, including city officials, district representatives, and food industry stakeholders, to review last year’s initiatives and discuss future plans aimed at enhancing the city’s food culture.

The conference, organized by the Busan Metropolitan Government, will provide an opportunity to assess ongoing food culture improvement projects and explore strategies to further develop Busan’s culinary landscape. The event will include discussions on policy directions, awards for top-performing districts, and expert presentations.

A key segment of the conference will recognize districts that have made significant contributions to food culture initiatives. This year, Jung-gu and Haeundae-gu have been named as the “Best Performing Districts,” acknowledged for their efforts in improving dining experiences and food safety.

Jung-gu implemented promotional campaigns for the Sanbok Road Café Street and provided support for small restaurants to maintain hygiene standards. The district also promoted food culture at local events such as the Yurari Beer Festival and Jagalchi Festival.

Haeundae-gu introduced initiatives such as the “Chef’s Guidance” program, which provided professional consultations for local restaurants, and the “Dining Table Infographics” project to communicate food safety information to customers in an accessible manner.

Additionally, Gangseo-gu, Suyeong-gu, and Saha-gu have been recognized for their contributions and will receive awards for their work in promoting food safety and improving the city’s food service environment.

The conference will also outline upcoming initiatives aimed at strengthening Busan’s culinary identity. Plans include expanding foreign language menu support for restaurants to accommodate international visitors and launching the “Taste of Busan” campaign to promote local cuisine through digital platforms and events.

Efforts to foster international collaboration with culinary institutions and participation in global food-related events will also be discussed, with a focus on positioning Busan within the global food tourism market.

The 2024 Food Culture Improvement Conference will conclude with an awards ceremony recognizing key contributors to Busan’s food culture, including individuals and organizations involved in last year’s Busan International Food Expo and Busan Marina Chef Challenge.

The event is expected to provide a forum for dialogue and collaboration, supporting Busan’s ongoing efforts to enhance its food culture and culinary reputation.