The number of restaurants in Seoul where diners can choose multigrain rice instead of white rice continues to grow. The Seoul Metropolitan Government's policy to promote healthy eating habits is gaining traction with enthusiastic responses from both citizens and restaurant owners.
The city announced Sunday that more than 3,700 restaurants now participate in "Tongkwaehan Hanki" (meaning "a refreshingly healthy meal"), a healthy dining-out campaign. The program allows diners to opt for multigrain rice at participating restaurants, supporting healthier eating habits. Citizens recommend restaurants that serve quality multigrain rice, after which owners apply to join. An inspection team then visits each location to verify that it meets certification standards, including a minimum 25 percent multigrain blend. Certified restaurants display the Tongkwaehan Hanki mark and receive promotional support through the city government's official social media channels.
Public response has been enthusiastic. Comments such as "I loved the popping texture of the oats" and "Other regions don't have a policy like this — I'm envious" reflect growing expectations for the spread of a healthier dining-out culture.
The city is stepping up promotional efforts to expand the campaign. A relay content series featuring well-known chefs and influencers introducing recommended restaurants and menus is currently being released. Chef Oh Se-deuk, who appeared in a recent episode, said, "Multigrain rice is not only rich in nutrients but also has a great chewy, grain-by-grain texture. I understand it also helps regulate blood sugar better than white rice." He added, "Brown rice in particular is high in dietary fiber and provides a sense of fullness, so it can be considered a healthy meal."
A group of 100 supporters called "Tongkwaehan Sikgu" (meaning "Tongkwaehan family members"), composed of college students and office workers, will begin full-scale activities this month. They plan to visit certified restaurants, experience the food and atmosphere firsthand, and continue promotional efforts through social media content.
Information on certified restaurants is available through Smart Seoul Map and the Food Safety Information website. Starting later this month, the list will also be accessible on the "Wrist Doctor 9988" app. The city plans to further improve accessibility by linking with delivery apps and private map services in the future.
Cho Young-chang, director general of the Citizens' Health Bureau at the Seoul Metropolitan Government, said, "This achievement was made possible by citizens' recommendations and restaurant owners' voluntary participation." He added, "We will expand the program so that people can easily choose a healthy meal in their daily lives, and develop Tongkwaehan Hanki into Seoul's signature healthy dining-out brand."