GANGNEUNG CITY ENG - 솔향강릉

- Establishing an international cooperation network in the cultural industry and boosting efforts to be among the world's top 100 tourist cities through local culinary resources -

      On October 31st (based on European standard time), Gangneung City was finally approved by UNESCO to join the Creative Cities International Network (UCCN) in the gastronomy field.

      ​This achievement can be traced back to January 2021 when the city initially joined the UNESCO Korean Committee as a provisional member. Since then, Gangneung has been dedicated to showcasing its unique culinary resources, fostering them, and promoting its capacities as a gastronomic city through interactions with various entities and cooperating member nations, culminating in this quick accession to the international network.

         The UNESCO Creative Cities Network (UCCN) began in October 2004 as an international collaborative project to promote cultural diversity in cities, aiming for cultural diversity enhancement and sustainable development.

         ​Currently, a total of 295 cities from 93 countries have joined across 7 fields (crafts and folk arts, music, design, literature, gastronomy, media arts, and film). In South Korea, 11 cities are active members across these seven sectors.

         ​All member countries are offered opportunities for interaction and cooperation, including attendance at international conferences where cities from each field gather.

      ​Gangneung City plans to utilize this international network as a foundation for discovering collaborative projects that promote cultural advancement on a global stage, while also extensively promoting Gangneung's culture, creating a culinary brand for Gangneung in partnership with its citizens, and promoting the improvement of food industry quality.

      An official from Gangneung City stated, "Joining the UNESCO Creative Cities Network will serve as a stepping stone for Gangneung's gastronomy to leap into the list of the world's top 100 tourist cities. We are committed to activities that ensure tangible benefits return to our citizens by revitalizing the local economy through international cooperation and local linkage."

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