The ‘K-Food, Hansik Contest 2023’ Cooking contest held at Van Lang University

With the goal of enhancing the exchange of Vietnamese-Korean culinary culture, and connecting the diplomatic relationship between Vietnam and Korea, on the morning of August 23, 2023, the Final Round of ’‘K-Food Contest, Hansik Contest 2023’‘ occurred at Van Lang University, main campus, with the participation of two special judges: singer Dan Truong and singer Cam Ly. 

The cooking contest 'K-Food, Hansik Contest 2023' is jointly organized by the Ministry of Agriculture, Food and Rural Affairs (South Korea), the Consulate General of South Korea in Ho Chi Minh City, and Van Lang University, with the sponsorship of Korean Cuisine and Food Culture Center, Korea Agro-Fisheries & Food Trade Corp.

After more than a month of preliminary evaluation with many exciting entries, the 10 top participants reach the final stage, competing to develop a dish rooted in Korean culture with the theme ''SSam, Vietnamese-Korean friendship meal''.

Delegates from the Korean Consulate General in Ho Chi Minh City attend the competition: Mr. Shin Choong Il - Consul General, Ms. Kim Mi Yeon - Cultural Consul; business delegates: Ms. Park Young Hee - Director of Daegwol Restaurant; special guest judges: singer Dan Truong, singer Cam Ly; and representatives of Faculty of Korean Studies/Korean Languages of many universities: Van Lang University, HCMC University of Education, HUTECH University, Hong Bang International University, Van Hien University, HUFLIT University, Van Lang Saigon College,…

Opening the program, Mr. Shin Choong Il - Consul General, Consulate General of Korea in Ho Chi Minh City shared: "To be able to prepare for today's final round, we have received the support and active cooperation of Assoc. Prof. Dr. Tran Thi My Dieu - President of Van Lang University and Faculty of Korean Culture and Languages during the planning process of organizing the event. The pre-qualification round, which took place in July, was exceptionally competitive. The organizers are delighted with the interest and the enthusiastic and excellent entries. Hopefully, through the competition, not just familiar Korean foods like Tokbokki and Kimbap but also other traditional dishes will appeal to everyone's taste and win people's hearts. Vietnamese cuisine has many similarities with ''Ssam'' meals like spring rolls and Vietnamese pancakes. The similarities will help promote collaboration and friendship between the Vietnamese and Korean communities.

“Van Lang University has consistently worked with foreign partners to constantly strengthen its brand and expand comprehensive cooperation partnerships ranging from education and economy to culture and society nationally and internationally. Along with the goal of training students to spread positive impacts and inspire society, Van Lang wishes to not only contribute to the country's progress but also work together to address the country's common problems. Beyond promoting the culinary beauty of kimchi, the 'K-Food, Hansik Contest 2023' is expected to contribute to developing national and cultural awareness in diplomatic activities between the two countries." MSc. Bui Pham Lan Phuong, Vice President of Van Lang University shared. 

''K-Food, Hansik Contest 2023'' is not only a cooking competition amongst candidates, but it is also a space to explore and exchange Korean culinary culture with dishes with traditional colors: Kimchi, soybean soup, Kimchi pancakes,...' The unique aspect is that diners will prepare and taste each dish. 

Aside from the cooking competition, the Organizing Committee also prepared many Korean culinary gifts, such as soybean soup, tokbokki, and kimchi cake.

After over two hours of competition, the team of Dr. To Minh Tung - Deputy Dean of the Faculty of International Language and Culture and lecturer Do The Hoc - Hong Bang International University was awarded first prize.

The second prize belonged to group 07 of MSc. Nguyen Thanh Ngoc Thach - Faculty of Tourism, Van Lang University.

The third prize belonged to group 09: Huynh Ngoc Khan Dai and Tran Thi Mai Trinh - students of the Faculty of Korean Culture and Languages, Van Lang University.

Singer Dan Truong and singer Cam Ly awarded 02 most popular contestants prizes.

''K-Food, Hansik Contest 2023'' does not stop at a single event, but it is also a cultural activity to promote strong bilateral relations between Vietnam and Korea.

In terms of education, Korea is one of Van Lang University's strategic and crucial educational partners. Strengthening cooperation connections, organizing contests, academic programs, and international classes, creating exchanges between Vietnamese - Korean students with prestigious businesses, educational institutions, and famous universities in Korea contribute to improving training quality and bringing practical benefits to learners on both sides.

News: Thanh Loc
Photo: Dac Khanh