South Korea Launches K-Chicken Belt to Boost Culinary Tourism

The South Korean government is accelerating the establishment of the "K-Chicken Belt Platform," which connects local chicken and poultry restaurants, such as Sokcho's fried chicken and Chuncheon’s dakgalbi, with nearby tourist attractions. This initiative aims to capitalize on the growing demand for culinary tourism among foreign visitors, which is seen as a new growth engine for the local economy.

On June 29, the Ministry of Agriculture, Food and Rural Affairs announced the "K-Culinary Journey" roadmap for the second half of the year at the government complex in Sejong. The K-Chicken Belt Platform was introduced as the first step in this culinary tourism initiative, linking regional chicken and poultry restaurants with local tourist resources.

The government's push for the chicken belt platform is driven by the rising popularity of K-Food. According to a survey conducted last year, culinary tourism accounted for 61.7% of activities considered by foreign tourists planning to visit South Korea.

In response, the government plans to focus on developing experiential culinary tourism content that connects local culinary resources with tourism. This includes providing maps that highlight unique chicken and poultry restaurants alongside tourist attractions, local festivals, traditional markets, and rural experience villages. For instance, in Chuncheon, travel routes will feature the Ginkgo Tree Village, Sinbuk Dakgalbi Street, and the Samak Lake Skywalk.

Additionally, 30 notable chicken and poultry destinations will be introduced, including Daegu's Peace Market chicken gizzard alley, Taebaek's spicy chicken, and Haenam's chicken course meals. These destinations were selected based on ideas submitted during a public event held in March and April, inviting citizens to share their favorite chicken and poultry spots.

The Ministry of Agriculture, Food and Rural Affairs is also focusing on hosting monthly events in the second half of the year alongside the K-Chicken Belt initiative. In July, an event will promote visits to K-Chicken Belt locations and suggest travel routes. In August, a "Visiting Breweries Tour" will allow participants to experience the history and value of local breweries. A culinary tour with renowned Korean food masters will follow in September.

In October and November, the ministry will host the "K-Food Festa," a global food festival attracting domestic and international consumers and buyers. Additionally, from July to December, a rural healing stay program will be available, allowing visitors to experience local agricultural products and cuisine.

Minister of Agriculture, Food and Rural Affairs Song Mi-ryung stated, "As K-Food has established itself as a culture beyond just food, our ministry plans to continuously discover and nurture content that links various regional food cultures with tourism, starting with the K-Chicken Belt."