Japanese actor Yutaka Matsushige, known for his role in the popular drama 'The Solitary Gourmet,' is set to introduce the flavors and culture of Southern Korea to Japanese audiences.
Dishes representing the region, such as Naju's gomtang (beef bone soup), Muan's straw-grilled meat, and Yeongam's octopus, will be featured, drawing attention to the potential for culinary tourism in the area.
The city of Gwangju, Jeollanam-do, announced that it is producing a special documentary on Southern Korean food and culture featuring Matsushige.
This documentary is part of a broader initiative aimed at promoting regional tourism through the '2026 Famous Families and Masters Linking Southern Korean Cuisine' project.
The focus will shift from merely visiting famous restaurants to showcasing seasonal ingredients, traditional dishes, and the culinary philosophies of local masters.
Matsushige, who has gained recognition for his portrayal of enjoying meals alone while conveying the taste and significance of food, will personally sample Southern Korean cuisine and experience the local food culture.
Filming will take place over a week until the 16th, focusing on traditional markets, long-established restaurants, and the spaces of culinary masters in six cities: Naju, Damyang, Gangjin, Haenam, Yeongam, and Muan.
In Naju, the Moksa Village Market and the representative dish gomtang will be highlighted, while Damyang will showcase traditional sauces and local liquor. Unique dishes like grilled short ribs and bamboo leaf ice cream will also be featured.
In Gangjin, the Dalbit Hanok Village and Cheongja-gol Hanjeongshik will present Southern Korean table settings, along with a kimchi-making experience.
Haenam will introduce sweet potato bread made from local produce, and Yeongam will highlight the region's distinctive food culture through its octopus.
Muan will present its signature dish, straw-grilled meat, emphasizing its unique cooking method and characteristics to Japanese viewers.
The filming aims to capture not only the food itself but also the traditional markets, long-established eateries, and the daily lives of local residents, promoting the lifestyle and tourism resources of Southern Korea.
The special documentary is scheduled to air on December 16 on Japan's RKB Mainichi, with a runtime of one hour.
The broadcast will feature a rich array of ingredients and side dishes typical of Southern Korean cuisine, as well as the diverse food cultures and traditional cooking methods of each region.
The city of Gwangju plans to enhance online promotion through the broadcaster's official YouTube channel to increase interest in Southern Korean culinary tourism in Japan.
With ongoing interest in Korean food and cultural experiences in the Japanese tourism market, this broadcast is expected to position Southern Korea as a new culinary travel destination.
According to Gwangju, 28% of Japanese travelers who went abroad from January to July this year visited South Korea.
The city aims to connect this tourism demand with local visits by expanding overseas promotions that combine Southern Korean food, traditional culture, and tourism resources.
Choi Young-joo, director of the Gwangju Tourism Bureau, stated, "Matsushige's visit will vividly convey the value of Southern Korea's rich ingredients and the culture of famous families and masters to Japan. We will work to attract international tourists and revitalize the local economy based on the impact of popular content."
Meanwhile, Gwangju is developing traditional food and resources from famous families and masters into tourism products in connection with the Southern Regional Tourism Development Project. This special broadcast aims to enhance the international recognition of Southern Korean cuisine and strengthen culinary tourism promotion to encourage actual tourist visits and local consumption.
* This article has been translated by AI.
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