2019 JB LIFE! Magazine Spring Edition

Section: Taste Jeonbuk Culture
Words & photos by Aaron Snowberger
In recent years in Korea,
numerous “Local Food” markets
have been sprouting up all over
So, what exactly is “Local Food” and
why has it become so popular in
recent years? “Local Food” literally
Additionally, Local Food markets often
have direct connections with the
producers and growers of the foods
Farm Fresh Local Food
the place, particularly in areas that
are surrounded by rich farmland.
Jeollabuk-do is one such area that
has seen a decided increase in Local
Food markets. The province hosts
numerous food festivals in the fall,
such as Wanju county’s Wild Food
Festival, Jangsu county’s Beef and
Red Apple Festival, and Jinan’s Red
Ginseng Festiva. Jeonju, the largest
city in the province, and surrounded
by such rich farmland, also hosts its
own food festival - the Bibimbap
means agricultural products
that are grown within a limited
geographic area - usually within
50km of the distribution area. It
is often considered “food for the
day,” so markets are frequented by
patrons who desire the freshest food
for dinner. In contrast, “global food”
is food that is produced far from
the market, often imported from
overseas, sometimes spending days
or weeks in some preservative state
(refrigeration, for example) before
they sell. Many stores include photos,
names, and even contact information
for the farmers who stock their stores
on the walls surrounding the food.
This makes Local Food “food with a
face” and gives consumers additional
comfort when they can see clearly
when and where the food came from.
In a Korean Economy Magazine news
report from 2014, four Jeonbuk Wanju
Local Food direct sales outlets were
reported to have sales surpassing 20
Festival - in the fall, and is constantly
being sold to consumers. Local Food
million won per day. And quarterly sales
listed in tourist guidebooks as the
is generally considered much safer,
between 2012 and 2013 rose from 800
top food destination in Korea.
fresher, and tastier than global food.
million won to 6.11 billion won. Many
44 Jeonbuk Life Magazine / Spring 2019 • Issue 14