Five Korean foods most in danger of extinction
It is the first time that Korean foods have been registered in the international slow food catalogue, which was launched in 1996 as part of the international slow food movement that began in Turin, Italy.
The selected foods include seasoned beans from the southern resort island of Jeju, dwarf wheat from the southeastern city of Jinju, wild fowl from South Chungcheong Province, Hanson Lily and beef from cows raised on medicinal herbs from the eastern island of Ulleung.
The Namyangju International Slow Food Committee said it submitted the list of five products to the Ark commission to draw attention to the risk of their extinction and encourage people to protect them.
The Ark of Taste project features small-scale quality products that belong to the cultures and traditions around the world.
The listed foods must have distinctive flavours, connection to a specific area and identity of local traditions. They must be produced in limited quantities that are at risk of extinction, according to the foundation.
Currently, 1,211 heritage foods, including fruits, vegetables, animals and cheeses, are registered on the list.