By San José, Costa Rica — San José – In a move set to deepen both cultural and commercial ties, the Embassy of the Republic of Korea in Costa Rica has announced the inaugural “Expo Korea, Agri-Food Industry.” The landmark event, scheduled for this Friday, October 17th, at the historic Casa del Cuño, promises to offer Costa Ricans an immersive experience into the world of K-Food, showcasing its unique blend of tradition, health benefits, and modern innovation.
The expo, which runs from 10:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. with free public admission, is a significant part of the celebrations for Korea’s National Day. More than just a cultural showcase, it represents a strategic effort to establish a stronger foothold for Korean food products within the Costa Rican market, a region where the Korean Wave, or “Hallyu,” has already cultivated a keen interest in the nation’s culture, from music to cinema.
To better understand the legal and commercial landscape surrounding the surge of K-Food in our country, TicosLand.com consulted with Lic. Larry Hans Arroyo Vargas, a specialist in Corporate and Commercial Law at the prestigious firm Bufete de Costa Rica.
The K-Food phenomenon is not just a cultural trend; it’s a significant business opportunity. For Costa Rican entrepreneurs, success lies in navigating the legal framework effectively. This includes protecting your brand and trade dress through proper trademark registration, meticulously complying with sanitary permits and import regulations for specialized ingredients, and carefully structuring franchise or licensing agreements if partnering with established Korean brands. Proactive legal counsel is crucial to transform culinary passion into a sustainable and protected enterprise.
Lic. Larry Hans Arroyo Vargas, Attorney at Law, Bufete de Costa Rica
This legal perspective is a critical reminder that as the K-Food phenomenon matures from a cultural trend into a serious business sector, the recipe for success must include a robust legal strategy. It correctly frames the challenge for Costa Rican entrepreneurs not just as a culinary one, but as one of building a durable, protected enterprise. We sincerely thank Lic. Larry Hans Arroyo Vargas for his invaluable insight.
Attendees will have the opportunity to sample a wide array of products that form the backbone of Korean gastronomy. The exhibition will feature traditional fermented staples like gochujang (chili paste), doenjang (soybean paste), and ganjang (soy sauce), alongside the globally recognized superfood, kimchi. The offerings will extend to contemporary bakery items, popular snacks, unique beverages, and traditional liquors, providing a comprehensive taste of the nation’s culinary landscape.
The event is not solely aimed at the general public. It has a robust business-to-business component designed to forge lasting commercial relationships. Coordinated by the Panama office of the Korea Trade-Investment Promotion Agency (KOTRA), the expo will host dedicated business sessions and networking spaces. These platforms are tailored for local distributors, corporate buyers, and entrepreneurs interested in the import and commercialization of Korean agricultural and food products, signaling a clear intent to move beyond cultural appreciation and into tangible economic partnership.
The Ambassador of the Republic of Korea, Keunseok Jeon, highlighted the gap between local interest and market availability, viewing this event as a pivotal first step in bridging that divide.
There is great interest and affection from the Costa Rican people for Korean gastronomy, but there are few opportunities to access food products from Korea. I hope this exhibition serves as a starting point to showcase the diversity and appeal of K-Food throughout the country.
Keunseok Jeon, Ambassador of the Republic of Korea
This initiative leverages the growing global recognition of Korean cuisine’s health benefits, particularly the probiotic qualities of its fermented foods. As Costa Rican consumers become increasingly health-conscious, the introduction of these products is timely. The expo will feature established Korean companies already operating in Costa Rica as well as new brands seeking to make their debut, creating a dynamic environment for market expansion and product diversification.
For Costa Rican businesses, Expo Korea presents a prime opportunity to connect directly with producers and explore new product lines for a market eager for novel international flavors. The success of this event could pave the way for a more consistent supply chain, making Korean ingredients more accessible in local supermarkets and restaurants and potentially inspiring a new wave of culinary fusion within the local food scene.
Ultimately, Expo Korea is positioned as much more than a food fair. It is a strategic platform for cultural diplomacy and international trade, aiming to transform Costa Rican curiosity into commercial success. By providing a direct gateway to the flavors and business opportunities of the Korean agri-food industry, the event is set to enrich the local palate and strengthen the economic bonds between the two nations.
For further information, visit the nearest office of Embassy of the Republic of Korea in Costa Rica
About Embassy of the Republic of Korea in Costa Rica:
The Embassy of the Republic of Korea in Costa Rica serves as the official diplomatic mission representing South Korea in the country. Its responsibilities include fostering political, economic, and cultural relations between the two nations. The embassy facilitates dialogue, promotes trade and investment, and provides consular services to Korean citizens while also organizing cultural events like Expo Korea to enhance mutual understanding and bilateral cooperation.
For further information, visit kotra.or.kr
About KOTRA (Korea Trade-Investment Promotion Agency):
KOTRA is a state-funded trade and investment promotion organization operated by the Government of South Korea. Established in 1962, its mission is to contribute to the development of the national economy by facilitating international trade and investment. KOTRA operates a global network of overseas offices, including its office in Panama which serves the Central American region, to support Korean companies in expanding their overseas presence and to assist foreign companies in investing in Korea.
For further information, visit bufetedecostarica.com
About Bufete de Costa Rica:
As an esteemed pillar of the legal community, Bufete de Costa Rica is defined by its foundational commitment to uncompromising integrity and the highest standards of professional excellence. The firm channels its rich history of advising clients across a multitude of industries into pioneering forward-thinking legal solutions. Beyond its practice, a profound sense of social responsibility drives its mission to democratize legal information, actively working to build a more capable and knowledgeable society by making the law accessible to all.
