South Korea is stepping up efforts to improve the quality of Korean restaurants overseas, aiming to certify 1,000 establishments within five years as global interest in Korean cuisine continues to grow.
The Ministry of Agriculture, Food and Rural Affairs announced plans to overhaul its overseas restaurant designation system, strengthen culinary training and help restaurants secure Korean ingredients and skilled workers.
Awareness of Korean food overseas rose to 68.6 percent in 2025 from 60 percent in 2023, fueled by the global popularity of Korean culture. But inconsistent food quality and service standards remain obstacles to the industry's long-term growth.
Under the revised system, the ministry will expand certification beyond high-end restaurants. Establishments that meet basic hygiene and service standards will receive a "Recommended" rating, while those that meet additional criteria, including the use of Korean ingredients, can earn an "Excellent" rating.
The minimum operating history required for certification will be shortened from three years to one. Designations will remain valid for three years, subject to annual inspections and renewal assessments. Local agencies, including overseas offices of the Korea Agro-Fisheries & Food Trade Corp., will conduct evaluations based on local hygiene regulations.
To address shortages of trained staff, the ministry will develop multilingual cooking guides and instructional videos, with a digital Korean cuisine library scheduled for launch in the second half of 2027.
A mobile-based Global Korean Restaurant Academy will offer short courses on cooking, hygiene and ingredient management, with training records incorporated into restaurant certification assessments.
The ministry also plans to expand partnerships with Korean diplomatic missions, cultural centers and international culinary schools, including the Culinary Institute of America and Italy's ALMA.
To help consumers find certified restaurants, the government will launch a Global Korean Restaurant Map featuring locations, ratings and signature dishes, linked to local navigation and booking platforms.
Promotional campaigns, including a proposed Korean Restaurant Week, will seek to raise the visibility of participating establishments.
The initiative will also connect overseas restaurants with Korean food exporters through joint purchasing and supply chain partnerships, while offering consulting and recruitment support.
The ministry plans to expand its Surah School culinary training program next year and connect graduates with restaurant jobs, internships and practical placements overseas.
A public-private network of government agencies, chefs, food critics and culinary educators will provide additional support through the K-Taste advisory panel and overseas restaurant associations.
"Strong overseas restaurants are essential to turning global enthusiasm for Korean food into lasting growth," said Jeong Kyung-seok, the ministry's director general for food industry policy.
"We will help more people worldwide find Korean restaurants they can trust through designation reforms and targeted support."
jyoungseon8@heraldcorp.com