The MAFRA Opens Sura Academy to Cultivate Korean Cuisine Ambassadors

Sejong, 13 March 2026 — On 5 March, the Ministry of Agriculture, Food and Rural Affairs (MAFRA) announced its “Plan to Strengthen Global Education in Korean Cuisine” in step with the growing global stature of traditional Korean cuisine (hansik) as well as Korean agricultural and seafood products (K-food). The move reflects industry calls for the need to cultivate internationally more people who are skilled in preparing Korean dishes. 

The MAFRA aims to operate Sura* Academy, a culinary institution dedicated to training international students in the art of Korean cuisine. Two separate curricula will be offered: a public-private partnership programme to train qualified chefs and other food service personnel, and the Premium Sura Academy for developing elite culinary experts.

* The term sura refers to the royal meals served to the Korean king and queen in traditional times.    

The project will begin in the second half of 2026 by utilising private-sector infrastructure to provide practice-oriented training covering the entire industry value chain, from Korean cuisine fundamentals and cooking techniques to restaurant management. Private institutions will be designated as Sura Academy through an open competition among universities, companies, and other organisations. They will provide instruction according to a government-developed standard curriculum that focuses on practical skills for the workplace. The package will include internships with well-known restaurants in Korea to hone trainees’ practical skills and attract programme participants.

The ministry will diversify overseas promotion channels to recruit international students, making Sura Academy a global opportunity for learning about traditional Korean cuisine in Korea. Briefings will be held and students recruited through overseas diplomatic missions and Korean cultural centres. In addition, special Korean cuisine courses will be offered at overseas culinary schools—such as the Culinary Institute of America in the United States and the School of Italian Culinary Arts (ALMA) in Italy—to spark interest in Korean cuisine among aspiring foreign chefs and encourage them to come to Korea to enroll in Sura Academy.

In addition, programme operation will be facilitated through the issuance of government-certified certificates of completion, while visa-related matters for international trainees are being discussed with the relevant ministries. The ministry will also review practical management measures at public-private partnership Sura Academy programme, including infrastructure renovation and food ingredient support, helping to ensure training quality.

Meanwhile, the ministry plans to establish the Premium Sura Academy in 2027 to cultivate top-notch Korean cuisine specialists who can play a leading role in the global gourmet market. Culinary schools such as the University of Gastronomic Sciences in Italy and the Italian Culinary Institute for Foreigners were established under national or local government initiatives to promote the local food culture abroad. Inspired by this model, the ministry will make continued efforts to ensure that Sura Academy can become a key conduit for promoting Korean cuisine and culture internationally by utilizing the government’s human and material resources.

< Overseas Culinary Schools Currently >

◇ Italy: ALMA 

This culinary training institution was established under the leadership of the Parma provincial government and the chamber of commerce, with infrastructure development costs—such as the site (a palace) and kitchen facilities—supported by the local government.

◇ Italy: University of Gastronomic Sciences

Local governments (Piedmont and Emilia-Romagna) provided the site (a palace) and infrastructure costs for kitchen facilities, while the local slow food association operates the academic programme.

◇ Italy: ICIF 

This non-profit institution was established under the initiative of the Minister of Agriculture, Food Sovereignty and Forests, with cooperation from regional governments and related associations, with the aim of providing foreign professionals with authentic training in Italian cuisine.

◇ France: Institut Lyfe, formerly Institut Paul Bocuse

This culinary education university was created through collaboration between the French Minister of Culture and chef Paul Bocuse to train elite culinary professionals; infrastructure support was provided by the government at the time of its establishment.

In particular, the ministry plans to establish a flagship venue in a highly accessible major Korean city where Korean culture can be showcased while providing in-depth education in Korean cuisine. Star chefs, traditional food masters, and other leading Korean cuisine specialists will be invited to provide small, elite training sessions, including one-on-one mentoring and instruction in their signature dishes. Partnerships will also be formed with key regional hubs of Korean cuisine—such as breweries, temples, and local food and beverage service companies—to strengthen hands-on training using Korean ingredients. Through these efforts, the ministry aims in the long term to encourage increased consumption and exports of regional Korean ingredients.

Minister Song Miryung of Agriculture, Food and Rural Affairs stated, “Sura Academy will serve as a launching pad for introducing Korean cuisine overseas and promoting our culinary tradition.” Minister Song added, “We will provide full support to broaden the foundation of Korean cuisine so that the current popularity of hansik and K-food can move beyond a temporary trend and become an established part of the global gastronomic landscape.”