most importantly taste different foods from all around the globe.

A major international food festival the 2013 AsiO Gusto is being held for the first time

in Asia right here in Korea. Our Connie Lee reports from the scene.

From slowly cooked barbecue... to the making of traditional Korean rice cakes... it's all

about appreciating so-called "slow foods" here at the 2013 AsiO Gusto.

"I wanted to try out different foods from all over the world, and I thought this was

a good event for introducing the kids to different foods and other cultures."

Held in Namyangju, a city just east of Seoul, it's the first slow food festival to be held

in the Asian and Oceania region in partnership with Slow Food International.

"Our city is known for promoting organic foods, and with its clean air and environment it

matches well with the ideology of 'slow foods.' We thought it was only appropriate to hold

Asia's first slow food festival in Namyangju."

Visitors here are able to get a taste and experience different "slow foods". or healthy

foods prepared in eco-friendly and natural ways.

"These are Mongolian dumplings called ho-shur . They are similar to Korean dumplings, except

these have more meat."

Forty countries from Taiwan to Iran are represented this year each promoting and sharing their

traditional foods and unique food items from their country.

Take, for example, this jam made from rose petals.

"It is special wild rose from Azerbaijan in the region from the forest."

"This year's Slow Food Festival runs until Sunday. Looking forward, city officials plan

to hold this event every two years. Connie Lee, Arirang News, Namyangju."