The Korea Tourism Organization’s international food guide “Hansik,” about the history and culture of Korean cuisine, has received the Gold Award at the 2015-2016 Mercury Excellence Awards.

The Mercury Awards are part of the American-based MerComm Inc. International Awards Programs, which has been honoring outstanding achievement in professional communications for 29 years. 

The KTO guidebook -- which is in English and Italian -- was published on May 1 last year and unveiled at the Expo Milano 2015 as part of efforts to introduce some of the country’s most representative delicacies.

“Lately hallyu has been explosive all across the world, and there are many people overseas who are showing a lot of interest in Korean food,” said the KTO in a statement. “The Korea Tourism Organization is looking to add to the efforts to produce more content promoting Korean dishes.”

The book features a stunning array of popular local dishes including royal cuisine, the epitome of flavors, style and the philosophy of Korean cuisine. It includes restaurant recommendations for tourists as well as a list of useful tips about Korea’s dining customs and table manners. 

In an effort to continue its push to globalize Korean cuisine, KTO has promoted its guidebook at major travel fairs, including the World Travel Market in London, International Tourism Fair in Spain and the ITB Berlin, one of the world’s biggest travel trade shows.  

The full “Hansik” guide is available for download for free on the website english.visitkorea.or.kr, under its e-book section.

By Julie Jackson (juliejackson@heraldcorp.com)