Korea Food Expo 2010 explores food, tech

The intersection of food and technology will be explored at the Korea Food Expo 2010, a four-day event that starts today at COEX in southern Seoul.

The expo, organized by the Ministry for Food, Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries, features displays of the latest food products and services, along with a variety of events related to Korean food and culture - from tteok (Korean rice cakes) making workshops to cooking shows and concerts.

Entrepreneurs can gather information at the 1,700 booths that have been set up throughout the vast halls of COEX.

The 612 participating companies from 18 different countries represent industries such as food, agro stock, rice, packaging, kitchen machinery, hotel and restaurant and more. About 150,000 visitors are expected to attend.

The exhibition halls are divided into three zones: the Life Value Zone, Cultural Value Zone and Economical Value Zone.

The Life Value Zone introduces the IT based U-Food system and the Food Ministry’s Food Safety Certification system, which guarantees environmentally-friendly packaging. The Cultural Value Zone is comprised of booths from 20 different countries that will offer famous foods from each country. In the Economical Value Zone, attendees can receive a customized diet plan or visit the Green Development section that offers eco-friendly diet and health solutions.

Today and tomorrow will see the opening of a “Business Day” event, which organizers hope will facilitate business transactions and networking among people in the industry. During the event, domestic and international companies will introduce their products and hold business meetings.

In an event held today, 50 of the biggest companies in the food industry will make themselves available for one-on-one consultations.

*The Korea Food Expo 2010 will be held at COEX in Samseong-dong, southern Seoul, from today to Sunday. Hours are 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., with the opening ceremony at 11 a.m. today. Tickets range from 2,000 won ($1.75) to 3,000 won. There is an additional fee of 5,000 won for admission to Business Halls A and C during the Business Day event. Go to Samseong Station, line No. 2. For details, visit www.koreafoodexpo.com or call (02) 6300-1696.

By Yim Seung-hye Contributing writer [ebusiness@joongang.co.kr]