Buyers from 46 countries converge on Seoul to boost K-food exports

More than 250 buyers from 46 countries have gathered in Seoul to help Korean food companies break into overseas markets. The largest food trade fair in the event's history opened Wednesday, bringing together more than 1,000 domestic food companies and kicking off a round of K-food export consultations. This year's edition marks a deliberate shift away from consumer-facing exhibitions toward directly connecting overseas retailers with Korean food producers.

The Ministry of Agriculture, Food and Rural Affairs opened Food Week Korea 2026 at COEX in Gangnam-gu, Seoul, on Wednesday. The four-day fair runs through Saturday and features companies from 46 countries operating 1,800 booths.

The biggest change this year is a major expansion of business-to-business activity, with a large contingent of overseas buyers invited to the fair. The event has shifted its focus from consumer-oriented programming to export consultations and overseas market development.

A total of 252 overseas buyers have been recruited, and more than 500 domestic food companies will take part in export consultations. Spanish supermarket chain Mercadona and Japanese food distributor Kobe Bussan are among the foreign firms visiting Korea for one-on-one meetings with domestic companies.

A dedicated K-food buyer invitation export consultation session, known as BKF+, is being held alongside the main fair. A three-way MOU aimed at expanding exports of fresh produce such as strawberries is also being pursued. The event gives domestic food companies that have struggled to secure overseas distribution channels a direct opportunity to meet local buyers.

AI and automation technologies used in food manufacturing and the restaurant industry are also on display. Exhibits include AI-integrated smart factories, logistics and retail technology, cooking robots used in actual restaurants, and smart kitchen appliances.

A joint pavilion showcasing companies that have received smart factory support from Samsung Electronics has also been set up. The fair introduces foods for special medical purposes formulated to meet patients' nutritional needs, as well as halal- and vegan-certified products and organic processed foods. An experiential space where visitors can enjoy traditional liquor paired with seasonal ingredients is also on offer.

At the opening ceremony Wednesday, 31 people who have contributed to the development of the food and restaurant industries were honored. Cho Hee-sook, head of Hansik Gonggan, received the Silver Tower Order of Industrial Service Merit for efforts to preserve traditional hansik and train skilled professionals in the field.

The Industrial Service Medal went to four recipients: Yoon A-ri, executive director at Samyang Foods; Lee Dae-hoon, chairman of the Wolhang Agricultural Cooperative's joint shipping association; Lee Hyun-joo, head of the Genesis BBQ Companion Committee; and Lee Gi-sook, technology director at Gamhongro. They were recognized for their respective contributions to protecting farming households through contract cultivation, opening new markets for Korean melon, promoting domestic chicken consumption, and preserving traditional liquor-making techniques.

The opening ceremony featured a virtual reality drawing performance depicting the evolution of the food industry, from traditional foods to advanced food technology. Buddhist monk Seonjae, a specialist in temple cuisine, delivered a keynote address on sustainable food culture and the value of food.

During the fair, a series of conferences and seminars will be held, including a forum on the 2027 food and restaurant industry outlook, an international conference of the National Food Cluster, a global food technology standardization symposium, and seminars on vegan and halal certification.

Vice Minister of Agriculture, Food and Rural Affairs Kim Jong-gu said Food Week Korea 2026 is "the most powerful springboard for outstanding domestic food companies to leap onto the world stage, and a place to witness firsthand the innovations shaping the future of the food industry, including food technology." He added that the ministry would spare no effort in providing policy support and maintaining open communication "to further solidify K-food's global standing and help our food industry lead the world market."