also helping Korean food make a splash on the world stage.

An exhibition is currently running in Seoul to help local food firms find international

buyers. Connie Kim reports. Riding on the popularity

of the Korean wave, exports of Korean food products have been on the rise.

And it is also "local foods" that are actively seeking to reach out globally.

Hosted by the Korea Trade-Investment Promotion Agency, the annual Seoul Food exhibition set

ground for small and mid-sized Korean food companies to target international buyers.

"Seoul Food exhibition will be an opportunity for food all across the world to be introduced

to different countries, including Korean foods. It will be a good opportunity for small companies

to promote their brands outside the country, especially since it's being impacted by the

Korean wave."

The event allowed visitors to experience and taste a wide range of foods first-hand.

"It was impressive to see vinegar and soy bean paste made in pottery. I hope traditional

food can spread through the Korean wave."

This year a variety of dry food products, such as dehydrated seaweed, fruits and powder

makgeolli or rice liquor, won over visitors for its convenience and long shelf life.

For example, these small dried pieces of kimchi can instantly create kimchi stew when dropped

in boiling water. Visitors say it tastes just as good as fresh

prepared stew, and would easily appeal to foreigners.

KOTRA also invited a record number of companies from 43 different countries to promote their

local foods in Korea.

"It is the first time when we are here. We know that the Korean people eat healthy and

that's why we are here. Our products are 100 percent natural.

The company says the exhibition has laid a stepping stone for it to also establish a

presence in the local market and introduce its crafted wines and organic jams to trend-senstive

Koreans.

With the aim to promote local foods, small- and mid-sized food companies hope to target

a larger customer base through the exhibition, which runs through Friday at KINTEX, north

of Seoul. Connie Kim, Arirang News.