Jeonju, Republic of Korea
UNESCO City of Gastronomy
The city of Jeonju, Republic of Korea has been appointed as the fourth UNESCO City of Gastronomy in May 2012.
The nomination recognizes the city's undertaking of tangible measures to safeguard its culinary heritage, promote its local food and culture in an integrated manner. It demonstrates excellence in culinary infrastructure with many unique gastronomic assets and resources promoted through the various food festivals and vibrant local traditional markets. The city also works towards promoting environmental protection and sustainable development through eco-friendly local food production and its food waste disposal policy.
Jeonju Bibimbab and Hanok Village in Jeonju. © City of Jeonju
Jeonju is a city with 1200-year history, the birthplace of the Later Baekje Dynasty and the Joseon Dynasty. The city's food culture has been rooted within its impressive historical background, traditional restaurants and food businesses have been considerably developed accordingly. Famous especially as a place of taste, its native dish such as Jeonju Bibimbab is today internationally acknowledged as one of the most representative Korean traditional dish. In addition, Jeonju is also well known for its famous traditional food markets, which have persisted thanks to its richness and abundance of natural food production developed within a proper climate and natural environment.