Masayuki Kusumi, author of "Solitary Gourmet" (right), and Huh Young-man, author of "Sikgaek" (Gourmet), on Sept. 13 shake hands after meeting at a Korean restaurant in Seoul's Jongno-gu District.

Photos = Korean Culture and Information Service

"I was very surprised that President Yoon Suk Yeol mentioned the drama 'Solitary Gourmet' in his bilateral summit with Japan, and it made me proud to think my work contributed to expanded exchange and cooperation between both countries."

Masayuki Kusumi, the Japanese author of the comic "Solitary Gourmet," which is popular in Korea, said this on Sept. 13 at a meeting with Huh Young-man, creator of "Sikgaek" (Gourmet), a comic about Korean food culture, at a Korean restaurant in Seoul's Jongno-gu District.

Huh is a nationally renowned comic artist whose works include "Sikgaek," which was made into a TV drama and movie, "Fly, Superboard" and "Appearance." With "Solitary Gourmet" translated and published in 10 countries, Kusumi has produced a variety of cartoons on food.

Both food-themed cartoonists representing their respective countries held talks for an hour that day. They said food is an opportunity to expand bilateral exchange and agreed to participate in marketing tourism in Korea, which uses food.

"I think eating is like traveling," Kusumi said. "Japanese youth's enjoyment of Korean food spurs them to visit Korea."

"I also think that food gives me the impulse to travel," Huh said, recommending restaurants that he often goes to.

Their discussion was arranged as part of the Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism's plan to stimulate bilateral tourism exchange and conduct marketing for domestic tourism.

On an overnight trip to Seoul, Kusumi planned visits to restaurants in Seochon Village and the city's Samcheong-dong neighborhood to include them in his video parodying "Solitary Gourmet."

The ministry will use the video to promote domestic tourism and display regional tourism products using 25 pieces of Korean cuisine and seasonal foods at this year's Tourism Expo Japan next month in Osaka.

"Solitary Gourmet" cartoonist Masayuki Kusumi (right) and "Sikgaek" (Gourmet) comic creator Huh Young-man on Sept. 13 hold talks at a Korean restaurant in Seoul's Jongno-gu District.