Agriculture minister pledges to boost food exports, diversify markets as K-culture drives global interest

The government will continue to boost the country's food exports this year, Agriculture Minister Song Mi-ryung said Monday, also vowing increased efforts to develop new overseas markets for Korean products amid K-culture's growing global popularity.

2026-02-09

'Culinary Class Wars' Yun Na-ra talks Korean liquor culture, traditional brewing techniques

Yun Na-ra, a contestant on Netflix's 'Culinary Class Wars' Season 2, showcases her skills in traditional Korean liquor making during the show's first episode. In an interview with the JoongAng Ilbo, she reflects on Korean liquor culture.

2026-02-07

U.S. tops China to become No. 1 'K-dining' market

Around four out of 10 overseas outlets opened by Korean dining brands in China have disappeared over the past five years, while the number of such outlets in the United States more than doubled, signaling a shift in the so-called K-dining market.

2026-02-05

Gov't launches task force on upgrading food export strategy amid K-culture boom

The government on Wednesday launched a task force to upgrade the country's food export strategy by capitalizing on the global attention to Korean culture, sources said.

2026-02-04

As food fads come and go, small businesses trying to catch the latest wave end up drowning in debt

Low barriers to entry and loan-heavy government support are fueling a cycle of trend-driven “blind startups” among small business owners, leaving many buried in debt when short-lived food fads fade and closures follow.

2026-02-03

Samyang Foods' sales exceed $1.4B in 2025 on Buldak spicy ramyeon

Samyang Foods, known for its globally popular Buldak spicy ramyeon, said Thursday its annual sales exceeded 2 trillion won for the first time since its founding in 2025, driven by strong demand for the Buldak series.

2026-01-29

Sticker shock

Food menus are displayed outside a restaurant in Myeongdong, Jung District, central Seoul, on Jan. 27.

2026-01-27

Health inspectors to check Dubai chewy cookies, other baked goods for food safety

The Ministry of Food and Drug Safety will be putting the viral Dubai chewy cookies — as well as a number of other baked goods — under the microscope in an upcoming hygiene inspection.

2026-01-27

Nonghyup to spend $35.4 million to cut food, farm supply, fuel prices for Lunar New Year holiday

The National Agricultural Cooperative Federation, known as Nonghyup, will spend 51 billion won ($35.4 million) to cut prices on food, farm supplies and fuel around the Lunar New Year holiday, the cooperative said on Monday.

2026-01-26

Agriculture Ministry eyes Korean culinary school for foreigners

Korea is pushing to open a culinary school specializing in Korean cuisine in the latter half of this year, the Ministry of Agriculture, Food and Rural Affairs said Monday, noting that the institute will mainly target foreigners.