Proposal at the Plenary Session's Five-Minute Speech
Makchang Ranked No.1 Recommended Food in Daegu
Hyorin Kim, a member of the Daegu Jung-gu Council, officially proposed the '2026 Daegu Makchang Project' and the 'Daegu Makchang Festival' as core strategic initiatives to revitalize the stagnant night economy of Dongseong-ro and strengthen the practical status of the area's tourism special zone during a five-minute free speech at the Jung-gu Council plenary session held on November 24.
Assemblywoman Kim emphasized, "It has been a year since Dongseong-ro was designated as a tourism special zone, but we have yet to establish a representative festival that attracts outside tourists," adding, "Now is the time to focus and select, creating a competitive strategic festival with Daegu's unique food content."
Quoting data from the National Statistical Portal, Assemblywoman Kim explained, "Makchang is the number one recommended food in Daegu travel, and it is the only food item ranked in the city's image survey," noting, "Makchang already symbolizes Daegu and has enough potential to grow into a global K-Food."
Key proposals for the '2026 Daegu Makchang Festival' include creating a 'Night Market Street' in the Dongseong-ro area, operating a weekend night market featuring Daegu Makchang brands, setting up tasting and experience booths by brand, holding cooking demonstrations and Makchang competitions, awarding a 'Gold Makchang' trophy and prize money, supporting prospective entrepreneurs by utilizing vacant stores in Dongseong-ro, and promoting the event globally through food YouTubers and K-Content-based marketing.
Assemblywoman Kim evaluated, "If we combine global promotion using food YouTubers and K-Content, 'Daegu Makchang' can grow into a leading K-Food brand that attracts worldwide attention, just like Buldak-bokkeum-myeon or Gimbap," adding, "The '2026 Daegu Makchang Festival' also has great potential to expand into a global festival."
She continued, "2026 is the golden time that will determine the success or failure of Jung-gu's strategic projects," and requested, "I urge the administration to make a bold decision so that the Daegu Makchang Project can be immediately reflected in next year's budget."
Kim Donghyun, Chairperson of the Jung-gu Council, stated, "The '2026 Daegu Makchang Festival' proposed by Assemblywoman Hyorin Kim is a highly feasible strategic project that can inject new vitality into the stagnant night economy of Dongseong-ro," and added, "The Jung-gu Council will spare no effort in discussions and support necessary to strengthen the region's competitiveness and ensure the practical growth of the Jung-gu tourism special zone."
Assemblywoman Hyorin Kim reiterated, "Makchang is not just a food, but a valuable asset that embodies Daegu's unique history and culture," and said, "The 2026 Daegu Makchang Festival will be Jung-gu's first challenge to reach beyond the nation and into the world." She stressed, "As the golden time to revive Jung-gu tourism is not much longer, now is the time for bold action and decisive choices."
Assemblywoman Kim reiterated, "Makchang is not just a food, but a valuable asset that embodies Daegu's unique history and culture," and said, "The 2026 Daegu Makchang Festival will be Jung-gu's first challenge to reach beyond the nation and into the world." She stressed, "As the golden time to revive Jung-gu tourism is not much longer, now is the time for bold action and decisive choices."
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