A Vibrant Culinary Showcase of 10 ASEAN Member States in Mokpo

A Vibrant Culinary Showcase of 10 ASEAN Member States in Mokpo

-ASEAN-Korea Centre to Showcase the ASEAN Pavilion at the 2025 Namdo International Culinary Expo-

This Chuseok, savor Southeast Asia - no flights needed, as Mokpo becomes Korea's ASEAN culinary hub from October 1 to 5.

The ASEAN-Korea Centre (AKC, Secretary General Kim Jae-shin) will present the ASEAN Pavilion at the 2025 Namdo International Culinary Expo, to be held from 1-5 October in Mokpo Culture & Arts Center, Jeollanam-do. Under the theme, "The Taste of Herbs & Spices: Ten Nations, One Flavorful Journey," the Pavilion will highlight ASEAN's diverse culinary traditions, celebrating food as a gateway to culture and fostering greater understanding between ASEAN and Korea.

The Pavilion will offer signature dishes from Southeast Asia as selected by the ten ASEAN embassies in Korea such as Khua Mee (Laotian stir-fried rice noodles), Nasi Lemak (Malaysian coconut rice), Mohinga (Myanmar's noodle soup), Kaya Toast (Singaporean toast with coconut jam), and Nem Cuon (Vietnamese fresh spring rolls). In the special zone, visitors can also explore the region's signature herbs and spices, rooted in centuries of trade and cultural exchange, such as lemongrass, shallot, pandan leaf, and coconut, which offer not only distinctive flavors and daily culinary traditions, but also the rich stories behind them.

The Pavilion will also feature interactive activities, such as Everyday ASEAN Booth with hands-on tastings of snacks, beverages, and instant noodles; the Scent of ASEAN Booth offering experiences with the region's signature herbs and spices; the AKC Promotion Booth; as well as information booths and quizzes that engage all five senses on this culinary journey.

Following the signing of the MOU between the AKC and the Jeollanam-do Provincial Government on August 4, the Pavilion marks the first joint initiative under this agreement. The project has been made possible with the support of ten ASEAN embassies and Daelim University. Building on this collaboration, the AKC and Jeollanam-do plan to continue strengthening networks that boost trade, investment, tourism, and people-to-people exchange; supporting cultural exchange programs; and advancing joint initiatives that foster closer connections between ASEAN and the province. Serving as a bridge, the ASEAN Pavilion is expected to promote culinary exchange and sustainable tourism not only for the people
of Mokpo and Jeollanam-do, but also for visitors nationwide.

AKC Secretary General Kim Jae-shin stated, "This event offers a meaningful chance for visitors to experience the unique flavors of all ASEAN countries in one place while deepening their understanding of the region's rich cultures. We warmly invite the people of Mokpo and Jeollanam-do to join us on this festive culinary journey to ASEAN countries during the Chuseok holiday."

Meanwhile, the 10 ASEAN Ambassadors to Korea alongside the Jeollanam-do Governor Kim Yung-Rok will attend the Opening Ceremony of the ASEAN Pavilion on 2 October.

Annex 1. Program Outline
Annex 2. Program Poster