{
  "id": 19606586,
  "title": "Seoul serves up steamed rice as next big tourist attraction",
  "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/11/12/seoul-serves-up-steamed-rice-as-next-big-tourist-attraction",
  "topic": "culture",
  "section": "Culture",
  "published": "2026-11-12T05:42:03.000Z",
  "source": {
    "name": "The Korea Times",
    "slug": "the-korea-times-koreatimes",
    "url": "https://www.koreatimes.co.kr/lifestyle/people-events/20261112/seoul-serves-up-steamed-rice-as-next-big-tourist-attraction"
  },
  "original_language": "en",
  "account": "Seoul is exploring the potential of steamed rice as a unique tourist attraction, aiming to transform traditional food culture into a novel culinary tourism experience. The Seoul Metropolitan Government recently hosted a K-Rice Pairing Experience, inviting 12 international students from Korea University to immerse themselves in the flavors, scents, and textures of Korean rice. This event marked a shift in the city's efforts to create tourism experiences centered around local culture and daily life, rather than relying solely on traditional sightseeing spots.\n\nParticipants sampled three distinct varieties of Korean rice - Samgwang from Chungcheong Province, Sindongjin from North Jeolla Province, and Golden Queen No. 3 from Gyeonggi Province - evaluating their distinct textures, aromas, and stickiness levels. They also paired these rice varieties with accompaniments such as salted pollock roe, roasted seaweed, and kimchi, along with three traditional alcoholic beverages crafted from rice. The experience commenced with participants opening rice cookers to savor the delightful aroma of freshly cooked rice, establishing an immediate sensory connection to Korea's culinary heritage.",
  "summary": "A bowl of steamed rice, an everyday staple in Korea, could become an unexpected draw for international tourists as Seoul looks to turn its traditional food culture into a new form of culinary tourism. The Seoul Metropolitan Government held a K-Rice Pairing Experience on Wednesday at Seoul Herbal Medicine Center, inviting 12 international students from Korea University to explore the flavors,…",
  "key_points": [
    "Seoul explores steamed rice as new tourist attraction.",
    "International students sample three Korean rice varieties.",
    "Experience includes rice pairing with traditional Korean foods."
  ],
  "editors_take": "Shifting focus from landmarks to daily culinary traditions allows the city to diversify its tourism offerings by leveraging local food culture as a primary sensory attraction for international visitors.",
  "illustration": null,
  "coverage": {
    "outlets": 1,
    "also_reported_by": []
  },
  "ai_generated": true,
  "disclaimer": "Summaries, key points and the editor’s take are written by software from other outlets’ reporting and may contain errors — always check the linked original."
}