Busan Tourism Agency Criticized for Spending 200 Million Won on Michelin-Linked Event
Creatrip Team
4 months ago
Busan city councilor Kim Hyo-jung criticized Busan Tourism Organization for using about 200 million won of public funds on a small Michelin-linked culinary event. The councilor said the agency framed the project as global gourmet branding but largely excluded most local small businesses, favoring a handful of Michelin restaurants and overseas guests in a 60-person 'GASTRO DOMO' gathering. Kim also raised concerns about a potentially noncompetitive direct contract with a specific vendor and pointed out the agency spent around 800 million won on Michelin-related projects while allocating only 20 million won to promote authentic local and street foods like dwaeji-gukbap (pork soup) and milmyeon (wheat noodles). She urged the agency to focus on supporting neighborhood eateries, traditional shops, and inclusive food tourism that highlights Busan’s unique local tastes.
