As the demand for quality dining experiences grows, Naju City in Gwangju has designated six new restaurants as part of its 'Naju Table' initiative, aimed at promoting healthy and reliable dining options.
This year, the city concluded its selection process for the 'Naju Table' program, which seeks to foster a healthy food culture and boost food tourism. The six newly designated establishments join a total of 49 restaurants recognized under this initiative.
The 'Naju Table' brand emphasizes health, safety, and consideration, designating restaurants that excel in taste, hygiene, friendly service, and reasonable pricing. It aims to elevate the local food culture and support the city's goal of attracting 5 million tourists.
Naju City has been promoting the 'Naju Table' designation since 2023 as part of its eighth-term mayoral pledges. This year, 23 restaurants that have been operating for over three years participated in the selection process.
After a three-stage evaluation process, which included document review, on-site assessments, and committee deliberations, the final six restaurants were chosen based on their food quality, hygiene standards, service, pricing, and commitment to improving food culture.
The newly designated restaurants are 'Naju Ssangchi Spicy Fish Stew,' 'Naju Chambok House,' 'Dolbaksa,' 'Samdae Naju Gomtang Original House Noan,' 'Pumjang,' and 'Haemiyun.'
Restaurants recognized under the 'Naju Table' program will lead the way in promoting a healthy and safe food culture by implementing practices such as voluntary labeling of domestic kimchi, prioritizing local ingredients, encouraging shared dining, maintaining hygienic utensils, reducing food waste, and ensuring clean kitchens and restrooms.
This year, the program will also mandate improvements to facilities, including the installation of ramps and high chairs, to create a more accessible dining environment for the elderly, disabled individuals, and families with young children.
Designated establishments will receive various support, including a 'Naju Table' plaque, items to promote food culture improvement, training in management and customer service, a guide to popular dining spots, and social media promotion.
Naju City plans to strengthen brand promotion centered around the 49 designated 'Naju Table' restaurants and develop diverse food content linked to tourism, aiming to cultivate a unique food culture and invigorate the local economy as part of its vision for the 5 million tourist era.
Yoon Byeong-tae, the mayor of Naju City, stated, “We will cultivate a representative food brand that both tourists and residents can trust and enjoy, contributing to the revitalization of the local economy and tourism.”
* This article has been translated by AI.
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