Foreign tourists are increasingly attracted to South Korea for its culinary experiences. According to a survey by the Ministry of Culture, Sports, and Tourism, 80.3% of foreign visitors last year enjoyed gastronomy, ranking higher than activities like shopping and sightseeing. Featuring unique Korean characteristics, gastronomy has become a prominent aspect of tourism, leading visitors beyond major cities into regions with distinctive local cuisine, such as Jeollanam-do. Additionally, being cost-effective, gastronomy tourism helps small businesses and municipalities attract international visitors through word-of-mouth, encouraging repeat visits. Compared to Chinese food, it's seen as healthier, and more intense than Japanese cuisine. The tourism industry suggests restructuring to focus more on culinary experiences amidst increasing interest from budget-conscious Southeast Asian tourists.
