Seoul is revamping its culinary map by seeking out neighborhood restaurants that have been in business for over 30 years. The initiative aims to cultivate the rich flavors and stories of these long-standing establishments as a unique tourism asset, moving away from flashy gourmet experiences.
On June 8, the city announced that it will accept nominations for the '2026 Long-Standing Restaurant Candidate Event' until June 28. The focus is on eateries in the northeastern districts of Gwangjin, Dongdaemun, Seongdong, and Jungnang that have been operating for three decades or more.
'Long-Standing Restaurants' is a project designed to discover and promote establishments that have preserved the local culture and atmosphere over time. Since 2017, Seoul has been selecting long-standing businesses in the fields of lifestyle, traditional crafts, and food, with a total of 140 locations currently designated.
Nominations are open to the public, who can suggest places they believe should be highlighted, such as 'must-visit spots in Seoul,' 'restaurants with decades of expertise,' and 'places with a unique charm that keeps customers returning over the years.'
This initiative is also in response to a recent shift in tourism trends, moving away from 'Instagrammable' spots to experiences that reflect the unique atmosphere and stories of local areas. There is growing interest among international tourists in local restaurants and long-standing establishments that offer a genuine taste of the community, rather than chain franchises.
The essence of Seoul's cuisine lies in its familiarity and depth. Whether it's a bowl of cold noodles crafted over decades, a hearty meal from a diner that has satisfied early morning market vendors, or the enduring flavor of a long-established Chinese restaurant's black bean noodles, Seoul's food is often more about the memories and craftsmanship developed over time than elaborate recipes.
Long-standing restaurants are valued not just for their food but as spaces where local memories and lives have accumulated, making them significant tourism assets.
Following public nominations, the city plans to conduct on-site verifications and expert evaluations to finalize this year's long-standing restaurants. Selected establishments will be integrated into Seoul's tourism content. The city also plans to expand programs and promotions for 'Long-Standing Restaurant Week,' which received a positive response last year, allowing citizens and domestic and international tourists to experience the charm of Seoul's long-standing eateries firsthand.
Kim Myung-joo, director of the Seoul Tourism and Sports Bureau, stated, "Recent travel trends are shifting towards experiencing local stories and atmospheres rather than just visiting famous tourist spots. We hope that long-standing restaurants, which have preserved the flavors and essence of Seoul for many years, can establish themselves as attractive tourism content with the support and participation of citizens."
* This article has been translated by AI.
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