On the Programs of Green Tourism Involving the Traditional Cuisine of Gwangju/Chonnam Provinces

광주.전남 전통 음식을 연계한 농촌 관광 프로그램에 관한 연구

The purpose of this paper is to explore the possibility that green tourism involving traditional local foods could help reinvigorate local economy. The author examines some examples of developed countries to develop tour programs of the rural community and systematizes the local cuisine of Gwangju and Chonnam provinces. The source materials for this research include the data from the Office of Rural Development and interviews with the people concerned in June to July, 2005. The author starts with the literature review of written documents from various sources including the government, the Chonnam local government, periodicals and the internet. It seems necessary that we develop green tours involving unique local cuisines. To that purpose, the author claims that a variety of programs should be developed; (i) a public demonstration of traditional local foods, (ii) a hands-on experience program in which people can learn and cook by themselves, (iii) a tasting program of organic food and chemical-free produce, (iv) a program developing well-being food, and (v) lectures on healthy foods. The development of such green tours connected with the local cuisine will help vitalize the local economy and maintain tradition of the local cuisine.