The Korea Tourism Organization (KTO) announced plans on October 21 to promote local K-food festivals in Daegu and Gyeongbuk as global tourism attractions, collaborating with the cities of Daegu, Gimcheon, and Gumi to increase international visitor numbers.
KTO noted that Taiwanese tourists represent the largest share of foreign visitors arriving through Daegu International Airport and Gimhae International Airport. Recognizing the strong interest in Korean cuisine and culinary tourism in Taiwan, KTO has developed tailored travel packages centered around local festivals featuring popular Korean street foods like tteokbokki and gimbap.
Since September, KTO's Taipei office has partnered with major travel agencies in Taiwan to launch 'K-Food Festival Themed Travel Packages.' As a result, 145 Taiwanese tourists are set to visit the Daegu Tteokbokki Festival and Gimcheon Gimbap Festival from October 23 to 24, where they will enjoy various K-food offerings and experience Korean food culture.
KTO will also expand its viral marketing efforts to enhance the international recognition of these K-food festivals. Influencers will be invited to the Daegu Tteokbokki Festival, Gimcheon Gimbap Festival, and Gumi Ramen Festival to share the vibrant atmosphere and appeal of these events through their social media channels.
The Daegu Tteokbokki Festival will take place from October 23 to 25 at iM Bank Park in Daegu. Last year, the festival attracted 330,000 visitors, according to local estimates.
The Gimcheon Gimbap Festival will occur concurrently at Jikji Cultural Park, Samyeong Dae-sa Park, and Eco-Friendly Ecological Park, extending its duration by one day compared to last year.
The Gumi Ramen Festival is scheduled for November 6 to 8 at Gumi Station, with last year's attendance recorded at 350,000, a significant increase from 80,000 in 2023.
Min Byeong-seon, head of KTO's Tourism Industry Division, stated, "This initiative is significant as it enhances accessibility to regional tourism through local airports and commercializes regional tourism resources centered around the theme of K-food festivals. We will continue to identify unique local tourism resources and develop them into global tourism content, striving to increase regional visits and demand for inbound tourism."
* This article has been translated by AI.
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