【特集】韓国で見た「新潟」の需要、人気の日本酒も：ソウル便が毎日運航【新潟】スーパーJにいがた6月17日OA

The air route connecting Niigata Airport and Incheon Airport in South Korea has resumed daily service for the first time in 11 and a half years. UX's cameras followed a Niigata Prefecture inspection team that visited South Korea on the first day of the increased service. This is a two-part report from South Korea. Part 2… What we saw during our South Korea coverage was the "movement of Niigata companies to open stores" and "Niigata sake gaining popularity locally." ――――― The Seoul flight connecting Niigata Airport and Incheon Airport in South Korea takes approximately two hours. From June, the service was increased to seven flights a week, making it daily service for the first time in 11 and a half years. South Korea attracts many tourists seeking gourmet food, cosmetics, and more. Companies with ties to Niigata are also seeking business opportunities. ■Reporter Kisaki Shirai "Niigata companies are also opening stores in South Korea. One example is the outdoor equipment manufacturer 'Snow Peak'." The 'Snow Peak LAND STATION HANAM' is a complex located about 40 minutes by car from central Seoul. This three-story store, which opened in 2021, features a cafe on the first floor with an open space for dining, and a wide selection of camping equipment and apparel on the second floor. ■Reporter Kisaki Shirai "Here in Henan is located midway between Seoul and areas with many campsites, so many campers visit this facility." Snow Peak, headquartered in Sanjo City, is said to be a gateway for Korean campers to learn about Niigata. ■Snow Peak Korea's Shin Min-jae "Snow Peak is well-known in the Korean camping industry. (Q. What's the reason for its popularity?) I think it's the quality. Regular customers who use Snow Peak products become curious about where the headquarters are and what Niigata is like, and some have actually gone to Niigata to enjoy camping." On this day, a delegation from the prefecture aiming to attract inbound tourism visited and gathered information about the demand for Niigata. ■Shop Clerk: "People in Korea camp even in temperatures of -15 to -17°C. Niigata has wonderful winters, and it's famous for skiing. It's popular in Korea, so I think some people go there specifically for that reason." ■Prefectural Airport Division, Assistant Section Chief, Ishida Taio: "I've heard that they enjoy camping with an emphasis on comfort and coziness. Snow Peak, in particular, has high recognition and support among the wealthy and young people. We hope that by taking this information into consideration, the words 'outdoors' and 'camping' will become linked in the minds of people in Korea." The prefecture, aiming to promote the use of air routes, has an office in Seoul, and Deputy Director Moon Sung-hee served as interpreter for this event. ■Prefectural Seoul Office, Deputy Director Moon Sung-hee: "Niigata has both nature and urban areas. It's a great place for both types of tourism. Compared to big cities, its recognition and name aren't as well-known yet, but as the amount of information increases on social media, more people are becoming aware of it." It is said that Niigata's 'snow' and 'hot springs' are popular among Korean tourists. ■Prefectural Seoul Office, Deputy Director Moon Sung-hee "It doesn't snow much in Seoul, and even when it does, it melts quickly. So, with the beautiful snowy scenery, hot springs, and delicious food, winter is the most popular season." --- Other Niigata-made products gaining popularity in Korea… ■Reporter Shirai Kisaki "At this Japanese-style izakaya (pub), a certain sake is very popular, and it's also here… and here… The manager's apron even has 'Ganbare Tou-chan' (Go, Dad!) written on it in Japanese." Among the beers and highballs, the most popular item at this restaurant is the sake 'Ganbare Tou-chan'. Manufactured by Hakuryu Sake Brewery in Agano City, it's sold as a private brand by Niigata Sake Sales, a wholesaler. It has been exported to Korea since 2006. ■ "Ganbare Touchan" (Go, Dad!) - Store Manager Jang Jae-young "(Q. Why is it popular in Korea?) 'Ganbare Touchan' is popular because of its approachable, cartoon-like illustration of a father, its easy-to-drink, mellow, and sweet taste." We asked people in central Seoul if they knew about 'Ganbare Touchan'... ■ Street Person "(Q. Do you know 'Ganbare Touchan'?) Yes, there are lots of ads for it in Japanese-style izakayas in Korea, and it's milder and tastier than Korean soju. Is it made in Niigata? Is the water in Niigata that good?" Its widespread recognition came about through an unexpected turn of events. ■Hideaki Kuwata, Marketing Department Manager, Niigata Sake Sales Co., Ltd. "When exports began, the phrase 'Go, Dad!' happened to be used in a TV commercial for a Korean company, which created a sense of familiarity and helped it spread among Koreans." ■Kisaki Shirai, Reporter "Following 'Go, Dad!', 'Go, Mom!' is now being sold in convenience stores and other places. Compared to the sweet...