Yesan, South Chungcheong Province has become Korea's sixth and the world's 119th "slow city," the Cittaslow Corea Network said Wednesday.

Yesan received a certificate of membership in the movement at the international Cittaslow meeting in Italy. "Slow" -- as opposed to fast -- cities commit to preserving the natural environment, and traditional food production and ways of life while pursuing sustainable development. The five other slow cities in Korea are Sinan, Wando, Jangheung, and Damyang in South Jeolla Province and Hadong in South Gyeongsang Province.

The Korean branch of the Cittaslow movement says Yesan earned high scores for its natural environment, traditional culture and community. The fact that Yesan has its own unique culinary culture also contributed to the certification. The area is famous for porridge made with crucian carp caught in a nearby reservoir and apples grown on yellow earth.

Cittaslow Corea Network coordinator Sohn De-hyun said, "Jeonju and Namyangju are also waiting to be certified as slow cities. Certification usually leads to a 20-30 percent growth in the number of visitors to the area, so more and more cities will apply."