Food & Drink
Busan appoints culinary tourism advisor and strengthens efforts to become a global gastronomy destination
haps Magazine Korea
March 11, 2025
(Busan One Asia Festival)
The city of Busan has appointed Choi Jeong-yoon, Chairman of the Korea/Taiwan region for World’s 50 Best Restaurants, as a policy advisor for culinary tourism.
Choi, who also serves as Chairman of Naro Union Co., Ltd. and heads the Sam Pyo Our Taste Research Center, brings extensive experience in Korean food research and global culinary industry consulting.
Her international network and expertise are expected to play a key role in developing Busan’s food tourism industry, enhancing its reputation as a gastronomic hotspot.
Following the appointment, Busan City, the Busan Tourism Organization, and Naro Union Co., Ltd. signed a business agreement aimed at boosting Busan’s culinary tourism sector.
This partnership focuses on strengthening Busan’s presence as a gourmet destination by enhancing domestic and international tourism infrastructure, sharing resources and expertise, expanding professional networks, and launching strategic branding and marketing campaigns.
As part of its long-term vision, Busan is actively working toward hosting the ‘Asia’s 50 Best Restaurants’ awards in 2028.
The city plans to introduce various food-focused events, including culinary-themed travel programs, special dining experiences, local food festivals, and a global gastronomy tourism forum.