Korean cuisine seeks to globalize

In a bid to globalize Korean food, an international symposium titled "Korean Cuisine to the World 2009" was held yesterday at Lotte Hotel in central Seoul.

The symposium, hosted by the Agriculture Ministry and the Presidential Council for National Future and Vision, was a part of the government's efforts to position Korean food among the world's top five cuisines within a decade, a status which currently includes foods of China, France, Italy, Japan and Thailand.

The symposium was attended by First Lady Kim Yoon-ok, Agriculture Minister Jang Tae-pyoung, numerous foreign ambassadors, and local and foreign food experts. "The World Health Organization has singled out Korean cuisine as one of the exemples of food that is well balanced and nutritious ... but many people around the world still do not have the opportunity to truly enjoy Korean food", Kim said.

"In order to win people over, we need to make some adjustments ... by changing its taste, cooking method and scent" she added.

Foods served during the symposium earned praise from the foreign food experts and ambassadors.

Thomas Kupfer, the Swiss ambassador, said Korean food has a good chance to become a top global cuisine. Kupfer noted, "Korea needs to strengthen its efforts to become a country that attracts tourists. Countries that succeeded in globalizing their food - such as France, Italy and Thailand - are world-class tourist attractions".

Edward Kwon, head chef of the Burj Al Arab in Dubai, said in order to improve the image of Korean food on the global stage, it is important to have knowledgeable food servers.

By Chun Su-jin, Kim Mi-ju
______________________________
First lady Kim Yoon-ok, second from left, samples tea with Kathleen Stevens, U.S. Ambassador to Korea, far left, and other dignitaries yesterday at a symposium, "Korean Cusine to the World 2009", at Lotte Hotel, central Seoul. [YONHAP]