Chungcheongnam-do, South Korea – The Chungnam Culture & Tourism Foundation has been chosen as the operating organization for the ‘2025 K-Food Belt Project,’ a national gastronomic tourism initiative led by the Korean Food Promotion Institute. The foundation’s proposal, centered on Geumsan ginseng, was selected among various submissions.

The K-Food Belt Project aims to establish sustainable food tourism models by connecting unique local ingredients and cultural assets. This year’s project focused on three key areas: kimchi, traditional liquor, and ginseng. The Chungnam Culture & Tourism Foundation’s proposal highlighted the unique gastronomic potential of Geumsan ginseng.

The foundation’s plans include developing diverse ginseng-based culinary content, designing innovative gastronomic tourism programs that blend tradition and modernity, and creating interactive ginseng-themed experiences linked to local tourism. Additionally, the foundation will implement targeted promotional and marketing strategies, including festival and event tie-ins. A key focus will be on attracting tourists from the Seoul metropolitan area and expanding Korean food content for global tourists.

To support these initiatives, the foundation will invest a total of 300 million KRW, which includes 150 million KRW in national funding, to expand the K-food industry ecosystem and stimulate regional tourism during the ‘2025-2026 Visit Chungnam Year.’ The foundation aims to develop unique gastronomic tour programs that showcase the value of Geumsan ginseng to both domestic and international visitors. By combining Geumsan ginseng with gastronomic tourism, the foundation will leverage its expertise to establish a distinctive tourism model and position Geumsan as a leading ginseng gastronomic destination.

According to research from the Korea Culture & Tourism Institute, food is a primary factor influencing foreign tourists’ decisions to visit Korea, with 63.0% of tourists engaging in food tourism activities.

In addition to the Chungnam Culture & Tourism Foundation, the Gwangju Tourism Organization was selected for the kimchi category, and Korea Railroad Tourism Development was selected for the traditional liquor category, each receiving 150 million KRW in national funding.