By Na Jeong-ju
Staff Reporter
President Lee Myung-bak pledged Wednesday to support North Jeolla Province's bid to become the ``food capital'' of Northeast Asia, saying the project was closely related to the government's plan to globalize hansik, Korea's traditional cuisine.
``The province's efforts to build a cluster of food firms and institutes deserve more attention as the importance of the food industry is growing fast,'' Lee said during a visit to Jeonju, a city in the province famous for bibimbap, a mix of rice, vegetables and meat.
``I believe its plan to become the food capital will not only help promote regional development but also help foreigners better understand Korea and its dietary culture.''
Lee also received a briefing from Governor Kim Wan-joo on the progress of the government's project aimed at transforming the reclaimed land of Saemangeum on the country's southwestern coast into an industrial city.
Lee also reaffirmed his earlier pledge to build a 233-kilometer-long railway for high-speed trains through the country's southwestern provinces by the end of 2012, five years earlier than originally scheduled.
Lee's trip to North Jeolla, the traditional stronghold of the main opposition Democratic Party, came amid allegations that the President is attempting to influence upcoming local elections in June through increasing his regional tours.
Cheong Wa Dae stressed that the trip was a routine visit to be briefed on regional affairs.
Opposition parties have argued that the President is trying to interfere with the elections by touring around the country and churning out promises of massive development projects.
jj@koreatimes.co.kr
