Traditional Korean Foods (Galbitang, Bibimbap) Added to Certified Quality List — Now Eligible for School Meal Supply
Creatrip Team
3 months ago
The South Korean Ministry of Agriculture added four items — galbitang (beef short-rib soup), bibimbap (mixed rice with vegetables), mu-mallengi-muchim (seasoned dried radish strips), and swindari (a Jeju traditional fermented drink) — to the list of products eligible for the national Traditional Food Quality Certification. The certification requires main ingredients to be 100% domestic and production to follow traditional methods that preserve Korea’s characteristic taste, aroma, and color. With the additions, 80 product categories are covered and, as of this month, 414 companies hold 705 certified items. Certified products can now be supplied to school meal programs, offering students access to high-quality traditional foods and giving certified producers a stable, trusted sales channel; school meals are the top outlet for certified suppliers (20.2%), followed by major retailers (14.2%). Swindari was included despite limited production concentrated in Jeju due to its cultural value and need for preservation. Full lists and standards are available on the National Agricultural Products Quality Management Service website.
