Gukbap Restaurants in Hongdae: A New Tourist Hotspot
As the allure of Korean cuisine spreads globally, an unexpected dish has become a favorite among international tourists: Gukbap. This traditional Korean soup, combining a rich broth with rice, is attracting a growing number of foreign visitors, especially in Seoul's vibrant Hongdae district.
Earlier this month, on a weekday afternoon, a queue of eager diners, including many foreigners, was seen outside a popular Gukbap restaurant near Hongdae Station. Among them was Tori Jass, a 20-year-old German tourist, who was determined to try Gukbap before leaving Korea. "I hadn't visited the famous Hongdae clubs, but I was determined to try Gukbap. Every night, I saw long lines outside the restaurant and was very curious," he explained. Jass enjoyed the blend of meat soup and rice, finding it a perfect farewell meal.
Evy, a 23-year-old Italian fan of the K-pop group Stray Kids, also visited a Gukbap restaurant after learning that her favorite idols enjoyed the dish. "I knew that Busan is famous for Gukbap, but I could only stay in Seoul, so I tried it here in Hongdae," she said, appreciating Hongdae's convenient location and diverse dining options.
Local employees in Hongdae have noticed the trend too. A Korean woman in her 20s, who often eats lunch in the area, remarked on the increasing presence of foreign customers. "Many lunch and dinner spots are packed with foreigners," she noted.
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| Gukbap |
The Rising Popularity of Gukbap
Gukbap's growing appeal is part of a larger trend of increasing interest in Korean cuisine among international tourists. This trend is fueled by the global influence of K-pop and Korean media. While traditional favorites like Bibimbap and Bulgogi remain popular, newer and lesser-known dishes like Gukbap are gaining attention.
Restaurants in tourist-heavy areas such as Hongdae have adapted to this influx of international diners by offering menus and ordering kiosks in multiple languages, including English, Japanese, and Chinese. Inside these eateries, it's common to hear conversations in English and Chinese more frequently than Korean.
Media Influence and Global Recognition
The popularity of Gukbap has been bolstered by its frequent appearances in media. Netflix's 2021 series "The Hungry and The Hairy" featured Busan's Pork Gukbap, and in 2023, The New York Times included a version of the dish in its "Best Dishes of the Year" list, spotlighting a Korean restaurant in New York.
Professor Jung Ransu of Hanyang University's Tourism Department explains that modern tourists often plan their trips based on social media recommendations, leading to diverse and spontaneous travel experiences. This trend creates an ideal environment for various foods and cultural experiences to gain popularity.
Gukbap and Healthy Eating Trends
The positive perception of Korean cuisine extends to its staple ingredients. In North America, white rice, a key component of Gukbap, is increasingly viewed as a healthy carbohydrate alternative. A food industry insider noted that North Americans are turning to rice due to its lower gluten content and reduced salt levels compared to traditional carb sources.
CJ CheilJedang's "Hetbahn," a pre-packaged rice product, has seen significant growth in North America. In 2023, its sales reached 160 billion won, marking a 20.6% increase from the previous year and doubling the sales from 2021.
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| Hetbahn |
Tourism and Economic Impact
According to the Ministry of Culture, Sports, and Tourism, 1.49 million foreign tourists visited Korea in March, nearly matching pre-pandemic levels from 2019. Notably, American tourists increased by 119.3% compared to the same period in 2019, indicating a robust recovery and growth beyond pre-pandemic levels.
Gukbap's rise in popularity among international tourists highlights the evolving landscape of Korean cuisine and its global reach. As more tourists seek unique and authentic culinary experiences, Gukbap stands out as a delicious symbol of Korea's rich food culture.
