Gangwon Province Partners with Samyang Foods to Boost Tourism and Food Sectors, Focusing on Food Tourism and Sustainable Growth in South Korea

Published on December 22, 2025

On the other hand, the South Korean city of Gangwon Province continues to develop its tourism and culinary industry as the city tightens its cooperation with Samyang Foods. On December 22, 2025, the city launched a set of marketing goods developed in collaboration with Samyang Foods under the theme “Gangwon Visiting Year.” These goods, developed on the terms set by the agreement signed between Gangwon Province and the Wonju plant of Samyang Foods in April, have formed a distinctive combination between the culture and the K-food of the region.

The event also involves the provision of picnic sets that entail such items as the mat, cooling bag, spoon set, and mug cup, all branded with the famous “Gangwon-i Speciali” character, as well as K-food such as those found at Samyang. This is, however, not all, as even a smartphone grip talk was involved for the event. This shall be used for marketing.

Strengthening Tourism and Food Linkages for Future Growth

The initiative is more than just a promotional effort; it marks a concerted push to integrate food tourism with regional development. Gangwon Province is leveraging its natural landscapes and rich cultural heritage alongside its gastronomic potential to create a unique tourism offering that blends adventure, nature, and food culture. By showcasing the region’s authentic local cuisine—notably through collaborations with food giants like Samyang Foods—the province is setting the stage for a future where food tourism plays a central role in driving economic growth and attracting international visitors.

Introducing Buldak Sauce-Inspired Products: A Culinary Revolution

In addition to the launch of the promotional goods, Gangwon Province and Samyang Foods are taking their collaboration to the next level by focusing on the development of new food products using buldak sauce, one of the brand’s most popular offerings. The two parties are scheduled to sign a business agreement on December 24, 2025, to develop innovative buldak sauce-based products. This partnership will introduce exciting new culinary experiences that merge Gangwon’s local flavors with Samyang’s renowned spicy sauces.

This collaboration is poised to have a significant impact on food tourism in the region, as it ties regional food culture with global K-food trends, attracting food lovers and tourists from all over the world. Through product innovation, such as buldak-flavored snacks and spicy culinary experiences, Gangwon Province is positioning itself as a key player in the K-food tourism scene, capitalizing on the global rise of Korean food’s popularity.

Food Tourism Impact: Growing Interest in Culinary Travel

As food tourism continues to gain momentum globally, Gangwon Province is well-positioned to capitalize on this growing trend. Travelers today are increasingly seeking culinary experiences that allow them to immerse themselves in local traditions and flavors. By promoting Gangwon’s food culture alongside its tourism attractions, the province is crafting a compelling narrative for food-centric travel that appeals to domestic and international tourists.

This shift toward food tourism will not only boost visitor numbers but also encourage tourists to explore authentic local cuisine in ways that go beyond traditional food tours. Gangwon’s focus on creating unique, food-inspired experiences—from traditional markets to innovative food product launches—will allow the region to develop its own culinary identity, making it a prime destination for food tourism enthusiasts looking for new and exciting flavors.

As the region focuses on sustainability and local food production, the promotion of organic, locally sourced ingredients used in K-food will enhance its appeal to eco-conscious travelers seeking authentic, sustainable food experiences. This will help establish Gangwon Province as a leader in food tourism, elevating its profile not just in South Korea, but across the global tourism market.

Supporting Local Entrepreneurs and Expanding Culinary Tourism Infrastructure

The joint venture between Gangwon Province and Samyang Foods also reflects a broader effort to support local entrepreneurship in the food tourism sector. By creating innovative food products and promoting local culinary traditions, this collaboration will help generate economic opportunities for local farmers, food producers, and artisans. The growth of food tourism will contribute to job creation, the development of local businesses, and the expansion of culinary tourism infrastructure across the region.

Additionally, food-focused tourism campaigns can stimulate growth in hospitality, transportation, and retail sectors, as more tourists seek to explore the food scene in Gangwon. The region is already known for its natural beauty, and by combining this with its culinary strengths, it has the potential to become a top destination for food lovers seeking a blend of cultural exploration and gastronomic adventure.

Future Growth in Tourism and Investment

Looking ahead, Gangwon Province is well-placed to become a tourism leader in South Korea by further integrating food tourism with sustainable development and innovative marketing strategies. The combination of food and tourism will attract more international investors to the region, as they recognize the growing demand for unique food experiences and the potential for long-term economic growth in the sector.

The future of food tourism in Gangwon Province is bright, with the potential to create a thriving culinary tourism economy that benefits both visitors and local communities. As the region continues to build on its culinary assets and tourism initiatives, Gangwon will play an increasingly important role in South Korea’s tourism industry, attracting high-value tourists and encouraging sustainable growth for years to come.

Gangwon’s Vision for Sustainable, Food-Centric Tourism Growth

By forming this strategic partnership with Samyang Foods and emphasizing food tourism, Gangwon Province is giving other tourist destinations a run for their money in order to become one of the most upscale tourist hubs for those in search of genuine culinary experiences. The development of the food tourism industry in Gangwon will not only boost the economy in that area, but it will also help South Korea to lead in the world in terms of culinary tourism. Gangwon will soon become an exciting tourist spot that will blend gastronomy with cultural experiences.