5 traditional Korean food in danger of extinction

5 traditional Korean food in danger of extinction

NAMYANGJU, South Korea - Five traditional Korean foods have been listed in a specialty catalogue showcasing foods in danger of extinction.

The five foods are seasoned beans from the southern resort island of Jeju, dwarf wheat from the southeastern city of Jinju, Yeonsan Ogye birds from South Chungcheong Province, and Hanson Lily and beef from cows raised on medicinal herbs from the eastern island of Ulleung.

They have been included in the Ark of Taste, an international catalogue of heritage foods facing extinction, which was launched in 1996 as part of the international slow food movement.

The Namyangju International Slow Food Conference Committee said it submitted the list of five products to the Ark commission to draw attention to the risk of their extinctions and encourage people to protect them.

In order to be selected, the listed foods must have distinctive flavours, connection to a specific area and identity of local traditions.

They must also be produced in limited quantities that are at risk of extinction, the foundation's website said.

According to the foundation, there are 1,211 kinds of heritage foods, including fruits, vegetables, animals and cheeses currently registered on the list.

ysheryl@sph.com.sg

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