Say "Reuse of Food Ingredients" Instead of "Food Refurb"

"Reuse of Food Ingredients" Suggested as Korean Alternative to "Food Refurb"
"Open Innovation Strategy," "Remote Work at Vacation Destinations," and "Corona Shock" Also Recommended

On April 19, the Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism and the National Institute of the Korean Language recommended replacing the term "food refurb" with the Korean expression "reuse of food ingredients." They also suggested Korean alternatives for "open innovation," "worcation," and "corona19 shock," recommending "open innovation strategy," "remote work at vacation destinations," and "corona shock," respectively.

"Food refurb" refers to purchasing food ingredients that are still safe and nutritious but have diminished commercial value due to their appearance or are close to their expiration date, as well as creating new food products using such ingredients. The selection of the alternative term "reuse of food ingredients" was based on survey results. In a public acceptance survey conducted from April 12 to 14 with about 1,000 participants, 94.3% of respondents said the term was appropriate.

"Open innovation" refers to a strategy in which a company introduces specific technologies or information from other companies or research institutes, while also sharing its internal resources or technologies externally to create new products or services. "Worcation" is a form of remote work, referring to the practice or system of combining vacation and work at a vacation spot. "Corona19 shock" means the social and economic disruption or shock caused by COVID-19. The Ministry and the Institute decided on the alternative terms "open innovation strategy," "remote work at vacation destinations," and "corona shock" at a neologism committee meeting held from April 9 to 11.

The neologism committee is a body that provides easy-to-understand Korean alternatives for difficult foreign neologisms before they become widespread. Experts from various fields, including Korean language, foreign languages, education, public relations and publishing, information and communications, and media, participate in the committee. The Ministry and the Institute plan to continue promoting the use of these alternatives, encouraging government agencies and media outlets to take the lead.