South Korea's biggest rice exhibition recently took place in Seoul.
The event, organized by the South Korean government, aims to find ways to use half-a-million tons of excess rice that's currently sitting in storage.
Cho Sung-min reports.
South Korea's biggest exhibition of rice products recently took place for the second straight year in Seoul.
As expected, stations with rice noodles and rice wine drew large crowds,... but the most popular goods were snacks, ranging from rice cakes to pastries.
A local firm showcased colorful rice cake doughs, which according to the developers, never dry out.
These easily-kneadable doughs take just few seconds to turn into rice cakes in whatever shape a buyer wants.

"These bite-size rice cakes are so cute, and they could come handy whenever you are expecting a guest."

The South Korean government organized the fair to come up with ideas to use leftover rice.
According to data, more than five-hundred thousand tons of unconsumed rice is sitting in storage.

The biggest difference at this year's fair compared to last year's was the increase in the number of ready-to-serve healthy products that were displayed.
Vendors are clearly embracing the ideas of 'health-conscience' and 'convenience' by making rice products to accommodate what many consumers want.

Agriculture experts say they expect the new products will contribute to solving some of the problem caused by the oversupply of rice.

"It's the researchers' duty to continue developing various types of processed foods, including ones that can be eaten outdoors and ones for single-person households."

The Rural Development Administration said it hopes to hold more exhibitions in the near future to encourage private firms to engage in finding solutions to the oversupply of rice.
Cho Sung-min, Arirang News.