[K-Food] South Korea showcases traditional liquor and cuisine at APEC food security meeting

The Korea Agro-Fisheries Food Trade Corporation aT showcases Korean food at the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation Food Security Ministerial Meeting Courtesy of aT — The Korea Agro-Fisheries & Food Trade Corporation (aT) showcases Korean food at the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation Food Security Ministerial Meeting/ Courtesy of aT

SEOUL, August 9 (AJP) - South Korea is rolling out an elaborate display of traditional Korean food and beverages during the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) Food Security Ministerial Meeting (FSMM) in Incheon, which runs from Saturday to Sunday.

The Ministry of Agriculture, Food and Rural Affairs has selected Cheonbihyang Yakju, a 15-degree refined rice wine, as the toast drink for Saturday evening's ministerial dinner.

The liquor, crafted by agricultural corporation Joeunsool Brewery, won this year's presidential award at South Korea's only government-sponsored traditional liquor competition.

The premium rice wine, made from domestic rice, features subtle fruit aromas, delicate sweetness and a smooth finish. Officials will also serve cocktails made with Gamuchi Soju 25-degree, which also claimed a prize at the same competition.

The Korean Food Promotion Institute is operating traditional tea service stations in ministerial waiting rooms and the chairperson's office, offering traditional sweets including gangjeong, which are traditional sweet rice puffs.

Korea Agro-Fisheries & Food Trade Corporation has set up agricultural food exhibition halls showcasing major export items including instant noodles, frozen kimbap and tteokbokki rice cakes. The traditional food section highlights premium products crafted by certified Korean food artisans, including fermented sauces, traditional teas and liquors.

"Global food supply is growing more unstable, driven by climate crisis and global supply chain disruptions," Agriculture Minister Song Mi-ryung said at a press briefing Tuesday.

"At this critical moment, it carries great significance for the Republic of Korea to have a valued opportunity to discuss the ways for food security cooperation with APEC economies."

The two-day ministerial meeting brings together representatives from APEC's 21 member economies to discuss food security and agricultural system innovation across the Asia-Pacific region. South Korea, serving as the host nation, will present cooperation plans for artificial intelligence utilization in agriculture.

The APEC FSMM, first held in 2010 Niigata, Japan, has since been the pinnacle summit for Asian-Pacific nations to discuss policy making for agricultural systems covering from production to consumption.

Kim Dong-young davekim0807@ajupress.com