Pohang Embarks on 'Gastronomic Diplomacy'... UNESCO Creative Cities Discuss the Future of Cuisine

Domestic and International Experts Gather to Discuss Urban Gastronomy Strategies and Challenges
Aiming for UNESCO Gastronomic Creative City Status
Envisioning the "Pohang-Style Gastronomic City Model"

On December 9, Pohang City held the "2025 Pohang International Gourmet Conference" at the Pohang Changeup Ground, where domestic and international experts gathered to discuss Pohang's strategies and challenges for joining the UNESCO Creative Cities Network (UCCN) in the field of gastronomy.

Pohang City held the "2025 Pohang International Gourmet Conference" on the 9th at the Pohang Changeup Ground. Photo by Pohang City

The event was attended by over 120 participants, including Kang Kyungku, former Secretary-General of the Korean National Commission for UNESCO, representatives from overseas gastronomic creative cities such as Usuki in Japan, Yangzhou in China, and Lankaran in Azerbaijan, as well as scholars, food service and food tech experts, local agriculture and fisheries workers, and citizens.

In his special lecture, former Secretary-General Kang Kyungku explained the purpose and operational structure of the Creative Cities Network, emphasizing that "a creative city is a platform for sustainable development strategies that encompass the economic, social, and environmental aspects of a city." He added, "After selection, ongoing network activities and international cooperation are essential, and the city's capacity for implementation and citizen participation are key evaluation criteria."

During the Pohang presentation session, Kim Namil, President of Gyeongbuk Culture and Tourism Organization, introduced the city’s overview and cultural and tourism assets, highlighting Pohang’s marine-based food culture, abundant seafood resources, and local festivals as the foundation for promoting its status as a gastronomic creative city.

Kim Jaehong, a professor at Kyungpook National University, explained Pohang’s gastronomic assets and infrastructure, as well as the need to challenge for the UCCN gastronomy field. He presented future directions focusing on Pohang’s gastronomic assets and infrastructure, strategies for building a creative city, ways to contribute to the international network, and expected effects after joining.

Representatives from overseas creative cities such as Usuki (Japan), Yangzhou (China), and Lankaran (Azerbaijan) introduced their respective gastronomy policies, designation processes, and international exchange activities. Participants reviewed the potential for exchanges with Pohang through presentations centered on case studies, including food culture preservation, linkage with agriculture and fisheries industries, educational programs, and international gourmet festivals.

Pohang City plans to use this conference as a starting point to accelerate preparations for joining the UNESCO Creative Cities Network in the gastronomy field. The city will sequentially strengthen cooperation among the private sector, government, and academia; identify practical exchange projects with overseas gastronomic cities; expand educational and experiential programs to spread gastronomic culture; and promote cultural diversity based on gastronomy.

At the event venue, a promotional booth introduced Pohang’s “Top 10 Delicacies” and gourmet-specialized streets, while tasting events featuring signature dishes such as Mulhoe, Makhoe, and Gwamegi attracted significant interest from attendees.

Vice Mayor Jang Sangkil stated, "This conference was a meaningful opportunity to comprehensively organize Pohang’s gastronomic assets and explore future visions with cities around the world. Through a gastronomic city strategy that embodies Pohang’s unique identity and citizen creativity, we will enhance both the city brand and quality of life."

The UCCN is a network that promotes international cooperation and sustainable development based on the unique creative assets of cities. Member cities benefit from the use of the UNESCO brand, global exchanges, and policy cooperation.

It is noteworthy that promoting food culture is directly linked to strengthening city identity, fostering cultural and tourism industries, and enhancing international competitiveness, making it a core strategy for urban development.

This content was produced with the assistance of AI translation services.