Gangneung City
About the Creative City:
The city of Gangneung is developing an inclusive and creative culinary culture by safeguarding traditional local cuisine and keeping it up to date. The city is home to more than 7,500 establishments linked to the gastronomy sector. Gangneung is encouraging the development of a culture of excellence in gastronomy through a variety of events and competitions aimed at nurturing a creative melting pot of local culinary talent. Examples include the Gangneung Food Festival and the Food Talk Show.
Combining tradition and innovation, Gangneung is promoting a mixed approach to gastronomy, by actively supporting young entrepreneurs who are initiating a fresh interpretation to traditional recipes and flavours by using modern ingredients and methods. Gangneung's gastronomic activities culminate in the Gangneung National Food Competition, where local chefs showcase the full extent of their culinary talent and creativity.
This twofold focus on innovation and respect for local tradition is embodied in the city's efforts to support both the traditional tea sector and the newly established coffee sector. Other major events and institutions include tea ceremonies, the Gangneung Coffee Association (including 850 companies), the Coffee Festival Advisory Committee (representing coffee museums, coffee shops and university research) and the Gangneung Coffee Forum.
The Creative City sees its gastronomy as a driving force to strengthen social cohesion at the local level, supporting, for example, a number of migrant inclusion programmes organized around meals and their preparation.
Added value:
As a Creative City of Gastronomy, Gangneung is dedicated to:
Promoting sustainable urban development through the creative and cultural industries, in particular by breathing new life into traditional local gastronomy and supporting sustainable agriculture and short food supply chains;
Developing and reviving culinary tourism programmes in cooperation with other Creative Cities;
Encouraging synergies between the various creative fields, locally and among the Network; and
Ensuring that the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) are applied.
Gastronomy
2023
