Santiago, Chile – In a vibrant display of culinary fusion, the Embassy of the Republic of Korea in Chile, in collaboration with INACAP, a prominent higher education institution with 28 campuses across Chile, hosted a Korean cooking competition on June 27. The event, designed to foster cultural exchange through gastronomy, garnered significant interest, drawing applications from 127 teams. Eleven finalists showcased their innovative dishes in the concluding round.

The competition challenged participants to craft creative Chilean dishes utilizing traditional Korean fermented pastes, specifically doenjang (soybean paste), gochujang (chili paste), and ganjang (soy sauce). This unique theme highlighted the versatility of Korean ingredients when integrated into diverse culinary traditions.

The coveted first prize was awarded to the team of Carolina Romero (20) and Ignacio Fuentealba (20), who impressed the judges with their rendition of Chanfaina, a traditional stew, artfully prepared with doenjang and gochujang as foundational flavors. Their winning dish exemplified the harmonious blend of Chilean culinary heritage with distinctive Korean elements.

Ambassador Kim Hak-jae of the Republic of Korea to Chile lauded the participants' creativity, noting, "The dishes incorporating Chilean pork, which is significantly imported by Korea, alongside our traditional fermented pastes, were particularly impressive." He reiterated the embassy's commitment to continue fostering platforms for cultural communication and harmony between the two nations.

Chile plays a crucial role in South Korea's pork supply chain, ranking as the third-largest destination for Chilean pork exports. In 2023 alone, Chile exported 35,000 tons of pork to South Korea, accounting for 12% of its total pork export volume and 22% of its value, totaling $163 million USD. South Korea, with one of the world's highest per capita pork consumption rates at 38.5 kilograms annually, relies on imports to meet demand, with Chile contributing approximately 4% of its total pork imports and ranking fifth among its primary suppliers. The recovery of South Korea's foodservice sector has further propelled this demand. This culinary contest not only celebrated gastronomic innovation but also underscored the robust economic and cultural ties between South Korea and Chile, promising further avenues for mutual understanding and collaboration.