Yangyang, South Korea: Focus on Food Safety and Tourism Support

Yangyang County, Gangwon Province, South Korea, is actively working to ensure both the safety of its food supply and the continued success of its tourism industry. Recent initiatives include inspections of food vendors and support programs for local businesses.

Food Safety Inspections

To prevent food poisoning incidents, particularly as the new semester begins, Yangyang-gun is conducting joint inspections of group cafeterias and food vendors from March 12th to 13th, 2026. These inspections are being carried out by a joint team from the Yangyang-gun Public Health Center and the Sokcho-Yangyang Office of Education.

A total of six establishments will be inspected, including one kindergarten and five group cafeteria food sales companies. The inspection team will focus on verifying compliance with food safety regulations, assessing hygiene management practices throughout the food supply chain (including storage, cooking, and distribution), and examining the overall cleanliness of facilities. Particular attention will be paid to foods with a higher risk of causing food poisoning, such as unheated and fresh items, with on-site sample collection for thorough testing.

Minor violations will be addressed with immediate corrective action requests. More serious infractions, such as the use of expired products or failure to complete required hygiene training, will result in administrative penalties, including business suspensions and fines, as outlined in relevant laws, and regulations. A county official emphasized the increased risk of food poisoning during periods of rising temperatures and the commitment to creating a safe dining environment for children and students.

Support for Local Businesses

Yangyang-gun is also promoting the ‘2026 Food and Public Hygiene Business Environmental Improvement Support Project’ to alleviate the financial burden on slight business owners and enhance the experience for visitors. Eligible businesses include general restaurants (under the Food Sanitation Act) and lodging establishments (under the Public Sanitation Management Act) that have been located in Yangyang-gun for at least six months as of the application date.

This year, the project will support a total of nine businesses: six restaurants and three lodging establishments. Selected businesses can receive a subsidy covering up to 80% (maximum of 6 million won) of the total project cost.

Support for restaurants includes improvements to exterior walls, signage, drainage, and ventilation systems, as well as modifications like open kitchens and standing tables. Lodging facilities can receive funding for improvements to exterior walls, signage, hallway and staircase lighting, reception areas, bed replacements, and breakfast facilities.

Applications, including required documentation, must be submitted to the public health policy and public health team at the public health center (in person or by registered mail) between March 9th and 18th, 2026. The county will review applications, conduct on-site inspections, and select recipients through a comprehensive evaluation process. Funds will be disbursed upon project completion.

Since 2016, Yangyang-gun has provided environmental improvement support to a total of 259 businesses. A county public health center official stated that modernizing sanitary facilities will contribute to a safer and more welcoming environment for visitors, ultimately boosting sales for local businesses.