Person Na Heung-yeol, Secretary-General of the Korean Food Forum, Midwife of Korean Cuisine

[News S=Reporter Eom In-yong] There is an organization drawing attention as it spreads the value of Korean food through efforts to establish 'Korean Food Day,' revitalization of the food service industry and food culture tourism, discovery of talent such as selection of Korean food masters and culinary artisans, and hosting of differentiated Korean food events, forums and seminars.

At the center of this is the Korean Food Forum, an organization approved by the Ministry of Agriculture, Food and Rural Affairs, with Na Heung-yeol, Secretary-General, who has devoted himself for over 20 years with a vision of globalizing Korean food culture, connecting the food service, culinary, culture, and industry sectors while building a convergence platform of public-private-corporate-academic collaboration.

We met with Secretary-General Na Heung-yeol to hear specifically about the birth and major activities of the Korean Food Forum.

The following is a Q&A session.

- What was the motivation behind establishing the 'Korean Food Forum'?

"Personally, I have spent a long time planning and conducting events. Additionally, my parents established the Korean Natural Arts and Culture Organizations Federation, and at its founding, under President Kim Dae-jung's interest, First Lady Lee Hee-ho personally attended the founding ceremony and delivered remarks—a meaningful memory. Through such experiences, I naturally came to understand what role cultural organizations should play for the nation and society.

In particular, in 2006, a family acquaintance of my parents invested personal funds to establish a Korean Food Culture Experience Center on 10,000 acres in Pyeongchang, and through helping with that project, I naturally formed connections with many Korean food experts. Subsequently, while assisting various Korean food-related organizations, I established a Korean food forum with like-minded people. For this reason, I came to appreciate the importance of Korean food, and planned the 'Korean Food Day event' to promote Korean food."

- What have been your major activities so far?

"Through the forum and many Korean food-related partner organizations, numerous experts from diverse fields—including Korean food masters, culinary artisans, food artisans, cooking technicians, culinary science professors, culinary researchers, producer councils, media and PR professionals, and food service CEOs—participate in practical activities both domestically and internationally in education, manufacturing, broadcasting, distribution, tourism, food tech, and across all aspects of Korean food culture.

The Korean Food Forum will continue to promote collaboration among various stakeholders to expand the value and industrial development of Korean food, lead the popularization, industrialization, and globalization of Korean food based on K-FOOD, and advance as an organization centered on the Korean food community of the Republic of Korea."

- Is the goal of the Korean Food Forum not the establishment of 'Korean Food Day'?

"That's right. The Korean Food Forum has devoted itself entirely for over 20 years to the establishment of Korean Food Day. It has not been simply event-focused, but has conducted continuous activities in the field across the entire spectrum of Korean food culture.

Specifically, the forum has involved approximately 1,000 members active in diverse fields including culinary arts, education, food service, food manufacturing and distribution, culture and tourism, food tech, overseas exports, content, IT, and publishing, and they have worked diligently each in their own area for the development of Korean food culture.

In particular, it has also worked to showcase the value and culture of Korean food to the world by hosting international forums and seminars not only domestically but also overseas. Our members take pride in playing a pioneering role in Korean food in their respective fields, and I believe such activities form an important foundation for Korean food culture public diplomacy."

- I understand you have made many efforts targeting the legislative body and central government ministries?

"We have continuously communicated with policy decision-makers including the National Assembly Speaker, the Agriculture Committee Chair, National Assembly members, government officials, and local government heads, conveying the importance of Korean food and the necessity of establishing Korean Food Day. These cumulative efforts are spreading the value of Korean food socially and broadening consensus on the establishment of Korean Food Day.

For the establishment of Korean Food Day by the Korean Food Forum, we have created a collaborative venue bringing together experts and workers active in various fields related to Korean food. In particular, to advance and spread Korean food culture, we have built a network spanning multiple domains including academia, the food service industry, culture and arts, and the food industry, and have worked to create a convergence culture foundation for Korean food."

- What direction will the Korean Food Forum take going forward?

"Going forward, we will continuously work to convey the cultural value and philosophy of Korean food to all people in the world, and to establish Korean food as a beloved global culture within the food culture of the world.

In particular, if 'Korean Food Day' is established, we will pursue the proclamation of 'World Korean Food Day' with the participation of the entire world from a private sector perspective. In other words, just as Korean Heritage Day connects Koreans around the world as one, Korean food will become an occasion for establishing itself at the center of the food culture of people worldwide.

Additionally, we are preparing with like-minded people for the establishment of the Korean Food Culture Experience Center, long hoped for. This experience center will go beyond a simple experiential education space to become an integrated platform where education, culture, industry, and tourism are connected through Korean food. The goal is to make Korean food an industry and create a K-Food global hub of national value."

- If you have a final wish?

"It is for all people related to Korean food to cooperate with one another and form a community sharing a happy life through Korean food. This path carries with it national mission through Korean food, social contribution, and the meaning of sharing and service, but above all, I believe the greatest value is when good people meet and work together to create meaningful work. The members who work together at the forum, and all those I have met through Korean food, are precious connections to me and companions walking together on this journey."