Asia's Biggest Food Expo Is a Strategic Moment for Chungbuk — Rising K-Food Craze in Japan Could Open New Export Paths
Chungbuk Province announced on March 10 that it will head to Tokyo for FOODEX JAPAN — Asia’s largest food trade show — March 10–13, 2026, bringing a group of promising local food exporters. Officials view the expo as a strategic springboard to help Chungbuk’s agricultural products break into global markets.
FOODEX JAPAN is one of the world’s top three food expos. In 2025, it hosted 2,930 companies from 74 countries and drew roughly 72,000 visitors. Global food makers, retailers, buyers and industry experts converge there to spot new trends and shifting consumer tastes. Japan is Chungbuk’s second-largest export market for agricultural goods: exports reached $186 million by the end of 2025, a 12.3% increase from the previous year. With growing enthusiasm for K‑food in Japan, exports of processed foods, traditional liquors and health products have been steadily expanding.
Six Chungbuk food companies will showcase their products at the show: Joeun Sul Sejong Co., Ltd. (traditional liquor); Fine JinSaeng FT (red ginseng confections); WellBio (health drinks); Daeyoung Food Co., Ltd. (choco balls); Kang Food Co., Ltd. (Suyeon Somyeon thin wheat noodles); and JK Global Co., Ltd. (seasoned laver). They plan to highlight items that resonate with Japanese consumers and will hold one-on-one meetings with local distributors and import buyers.
At the Chungbuk Agricultural Products Promotion Hall, the province will present signature products and host tasting sessions to draw in buyers and visitors. Letting attendees sample flavors and quality is meant to turn interest into purchase discussions and to showcase Chungbuk’s strengths in quality, safety and distinctive appeal.
A Chungbuk provincial official said, "Japan is a key export market with strong potential for continued growth. We will use our participation at FOODEX JAPAN to expand overseas sales channels for local companies and actively support Chungbuk agricultural products as they move beyond Asia and into the global market."
Officials expect participating Chungbuk companies to strengthen their foothold in Japan and to gain opportunities for building long-term partnerships through the expo.
