Boost overnight stays tied to the 'Visit Suwon' year
Suwon Special City was selected for the 2026 K-Gourmet Belt project — known as the "Chicken Belt" — organized by the Ministry of Agriculture, Food and Rural Affairs and the Korea Food Promotion Institute. The city is moving forward with a gourmet tourism campaign centered on Suwon's Chicken Street.
On April 7, the city said the K-Gourmet Belt initiative aims to identify and polish tourism content that showcases local ingredients and current food trends to attract international visitors and stimulate local economies. This year, four municipalities nationwide were chosen.
Suwon won in the chicken category and secured a project budget of 100 million KRW, including 50% in national funding (about $75,000).
In partnership with the Suwon Cultural Foundation and private travel agencies, the city will roll out the "Suwon K-Heritage Gourmet Tour with Chicken." The plan links Haenggung-dong's Chicken Street with nearby attractions — Hwaseong Fortress, Hwaseong Haenggung Palace, and Haengnidan-gil — to create an overnight experience that blends food, hands-on activities, and culture.
Rather than turning the street into a franchise corridor, officials plan to brand the local businesses and develop Chicken Street as a distinctive tourism product. Offerings will include hands-on chicken-making workshops, curated gourmet tours, and other interactive programs.
Highlights will include a one-day Chicken Street class, a sightseeing route tied to the Kyochon1991 School, and a 1-night, 2-day "K-Chicken Grand Tour" — all designed to extend visitors' stays and encourage spending.
The city also plans to expand programs connected to established events such as the Suwon Hwaseong Cultural Festival and the Suwon Hwaseong media art installations, and to position the K-Chicken Belt as a signature attraction for the 2026–2027 Visit Suwon Year.
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