Urges Daegu to Develop Food Tourism Measures
Highlights Elevenfold Increase in Foreign Tourists to Dalseong-gun
Ha stated, "According to the 2024 Foreign Tourist Survey, 'gourmet tourism' accounts for the highest proportion among activities considered by visitors to Korea, at 62.8%. In the 2024 National Travel Survey, 'food tourism (such as visiting local restaurants)' ranked second among activities at travel destinations, following 'nature and scenery appreciation' at 77.4%, with a rate of 61.7%."
He further argued, "Daegu is a city with a wide array of unique local foods. It is necessary to systematically foster and support Daegu's gourmet content to attract both domestic and international tourists through food tourism. This should also be organically linked with Daegu's ongoing stay-type 'night tourism' policy."
Ha pointed out, "Although Daegu has designated the 'Daegu 10 Flavors' to promote itself as a city of taste, it is essential to connect various food-related content, including the 'Daegu 10 Flavors,' with tourism. We must turn 'food,' the starting point of tourism, into content to prepare for inbound foreign tourists and do our utmost to attract domestic tourists as well."
As an example, he said, "The 'food experience' at Daegu Seomun Market is already famous nationwide. If you search for 'Gachang,' the gateway to southern Daegu where Choejeongsan Healing Forest is located, on video platforms, you can see tourists enjoying 'Gachang steamed buns.'"
Ha continued, "In other cities and provinces, food tourism revitalization is being pursued as a tourism strategy, and separate ordinances have been enacted (in Gyeonggi, Jeonbuk, Jeonnam, and Gyeongbuk) to establish the foundation for related projects and provide administrative and financial support." He asked what food tourism measures Daegu currently has in place.
He also requested responses regarding the promotion of a sound food tourism culture, such as efforts to address recent issues like the neglect of solo tourists at Yeosu restaurants and price gouging at festivals. Additionally, he asked about education and consulting for fostering food tourism culture, the current status of Daegu's policy research, and food tourism marketing strategies targeting the so-called "super gourmets" of the MZ generation.
Ha Jungwhan emphasized, "The number of foreign tourists visiting Dalseong-gun increased elevenfold, from 27,000 in 2020 to over 300,000 in 2024. This is the result of excellent tourism strategies at the basic local government level coming together." He added, "Taking this as an example, Daegu city and its districts should cooperate even more, and greater synergy should be achieved through Daegu's active financial and administrative support."
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