SOUTH KOREA. Two restaurants in Seoul’s Myeongdong district have started using foreign language menus, under a Lotte Duty Free-backed social contribution programme. They are Hammyeongmok and Gomguksushi.
The retailer announced plans to create the menus in April, as part of a wider initiative aimed at improving the tourist experience in the area. The programme gained about 30 backers, including the Seoul Metropolitan Government.
Lotte representatives visited the two restaurants recently to deliver the newly-produced menus.
Restaurants are selected for the new programme based on how often they are visited by foreigners, Lotte said, with the Myeongdong Tourist Zone Special Committee offering recommendations.
Eleven restaurants have been chosen to participate so far. The others are: Hamheung Foods, Myeongdong Maru, Goshire, Sejong Tuna, Amis, Kyungsang Yangcheon, Chosun Party, Sungeo and Gangnam Myeon Ok.
Menus are being translated into English, Chinese and Japanese, and visibility is being emphasised in the design.
Lotte Duty Free said it was aiming to roll out the foreign language menu programme in Busan, Gangnam and Jeju, as well as overseas tourist spots.
“The production of a foreign language menu made with sophisticated design and correct translation through the donation of employees’ talents has gained great support from small business owners who operate local restaurants,” said Lotte Duty Free CEO Jang Seon-wook.
“It will be established as a long-term programme and will be made into a social contribution programme that represents the tourism industry.”
