Foreign tourists invited to experience K-food delivery service

Banner for the “Enjoy Korean Food Like a Local” promotion, run by the Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism and the Korea Tourism Organization / Courtesy of Korea Tourism Organization

Foreign tourists will be able to receive discounts of up to 80 percent on Korean food and its delivery services, government officials said Thursday.

The promotion, dubbed “Enjoy Korean Food Like a Local,” was created by the Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism and the Korea Tourism Organization, together with Seoul-based travel information platform Creatrip, to address tourists' interest in Korean food. The largest number of foreign tourists (68 percent) cited Korean food as a major reason for visiting the country, in a survey conducted by the ministry last year.

In the promotion, which will run until the end of November, 48 restaurants located in Seoul’s Jongno and Songpa districts ― areas visited frequently by foreign tourists ― will participate.

Discounts of up to 80 percent for food and its delivery service will be offered to 1,500 tourists on a first-come, first-serve basis through Creatrip's website and mobile application.

A package combining food delivery with a tent and picnic mat will be available to offer tourists the opportunity to enjoy the country’s food delivery culture at public parks by the Han River.

Founded in January 2016, Creatrip is a rising startup providing diverse services for tourists visiting Seoul and other major attractions. Its app is available in English.

“Korean food has become a favorite of many people around the world, becoming one of the essential elements that tourists want to experience in Korea,” Korea Tourism Organization Vice President Lee Jae-hwan said. “The organization will continue to create and promote various tourism products that suit the needs of foreign tourists.”