South Korea’s famous island paradise is preparing for a massive culinary celebration. The 11th Jeju Food & Wine Festival will officially begin on June 4 and continue for 10 days across Jeju Island, spotlighting local ingredients, wellness cuisine, and Jeju’s traditional food culture.
Hosted by Jeju Special Self-Governing Province, this year’s festival carries the theme: “Back to the Essence of Gourmet — Wellness, Ingredients, and Local Culture.” Officials say the event is part of a long-term strategy to position Jeju as one of Asia’s leading gourmet travel destinations.
The festival will feature seven major programs held throughout the island, including venues such as Jeju Halla University, Jeju Shinhwa World, and The Seaes Hotel & Resort.
Jeju Gourmet Week Highlights 200 Local Restaurants
The centerpiece event, “Jeju Gourmet Week,” will showcase 200 restaurants selected through AI big data analysis. Participating restaurants, branded as “Gourmet Spoon,” will introduce visitors to Jeju’s evolving food culture ranging from traditional dishes to modern fusion cuisine.
A new collaboration program between celebrity chefs and local restaurants is also drawing attention. Featured participants include:
- Kim Ji-soon and her famous “Nangpoon Table”
- Namgyeong Eogomtang
- Haenyeo’s Kitchen
- Nutritionist Kim Min-ji
Together, they will create unique culinary experiences using premium Jeju ingredients.
Gourmet Dinner, Dessert Fair & Traditional Liquor Tastings
ne of the festival’s biggest attractions will be the “Gourmet Dinner” on June 5 at Jeju Shinhwa World, focusing on Jeju’s iconic pork dishes.
On June 13, The Seaes Hotel & Resort will host the “Jeju Tasting” program, where guests can explore pairings between Jeju traditional liquor and regional cuisine.
The festival will also embrace global culinary culture. A large dessert fair taking place June 6–7 at Jeju Halla University’s convention center will feature more than 20 cafes and bakeries from inside and outside Jeju. The event additionally celebrates the 40th anniversary of the Jeju-Hawaii sisterhood relationship, with participation from Hawaii tourism representatives.
Wellness, Food Culture & Cinema Combine
Beyond dining experiences, the festival will host the second Gourmet Symposium on June 11 under the themes of wellness, local ingredients, and sustainable food culture.
Experts will discuss:
- Jeju’s traditional “Churyeom” communal dining culture
- Korean fermented foods
- Wellness tourism trends
- Regional gastronomy branding
Professor Lee Beom-jun is scheduled to deliver a lecture on Jeju’s traditional communal food customs alongside seven additional specialists.
Visitors can also enjoy:
- Master chef cooking classes featuring celebrity chefs from Korean culinary TV programs
- “Movie Foovie,” a food-and-film screening event set against Jeju’s natural scenery
With more than 250 businesses, restaurants, cafes, breweries, and tourism partners participating, the festival is expected to further strengthen Jeju’s growing reputation as a global culinary tourism hub.
KOREA FBI Editor’s Comment
Jeju Island is no longer just a travel destination famous for beaches and nature. Through large-scale gourmet events like the Jeju Food & Wine Festival, the island is evolving into one of Asia’s most exciting food tourism hotspots. The combination of wellness, local storytelling, luxury dining, and Korean tradition reflects exactly why global audiences are becoming increasingly fascinated by K-food culture.
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