On the 24th, Gyeongsangbuk-do showcased Gyeongbuk's traditional fermented pastes and premium agricultural specialties to domestic and international culinary experts at the world-renowned outdoor culinary event, '2026 Outstanding in the Field', held at Jukjangyeon in Pohang.

The event brought together approximately 120 attendees, including Jim Denevan, founder of Outstanding in the Field; Koo Ji-eun, Chairperson of Callisco; and Yoo Ji-yeon, Chairperson of TC Group, alongside domestic and international chefs, food and beverage industry professionals, and influencers.

Jeong Yeon-tae, CEO of Jukjangyeon, served as the fermentation master, while Chef David Lee—famous for his appearance as 'Meat Gangster' on the Netflix culinary variety show Culinary Class Wars—participated as a guest chef.

Outstanding in the Field is a global farm-to-table project that began in California, USA, in 1999. It connects producers and consumers by setting up long dining tables in natural settings such as farms and beaches, serving dishes made with locally sourced ingredients.

The hallmark of this event is its ability to deliver the excellence of local ingredients alongside the stories of the producers and the region. It was first held in Korea at Jukjangyeon in November 2024, marking its second consecutive year. Jukjangyeon remains the sole host location in South Korea.

Jukjangyeon is a premium fermented paste brand that has grown based on the natural environment and traditional paste-making methods of Jukjang-myeon, Pohang. It utilizes locally grown soybeans and chili peppers and has established itself as a luxury food brand by introducing the concept of 'vintage paste,' marking the production year on each earthenware jar (onggi).

The event featured dishes blending Jukjangyeon's pastes with local specialties like Pohang octopus and Gyeongju Millennium Hanwoo (Korean beef), including octopus ceviche, beef jerky, stir-fried chicken thigh with gochujang (chili paste), and Hanwoo short rib barbecue. Traditional liquors such as Andong Jinmaek Soju and Sangju Makgeolli were also introduced.

The provincial government expects this event to serve as a catalyst for expanding the consumption of local agricultural products and strengthening the competitiveness of the agri-food industry. The initiative aims to build a growth foundation for the food and tourism sectors by enhancing product differentiation through the combination of superior ingredients, regional history and culture, and producers' stories, linked with culinary contents and tourism.

"The core of K-food globalization lies in reinterpreting traditional values in a modern context and developing them to suit global palates," said Lee Cheol-woo, Governor of Gyeongsangbuk-do. "We will continue to expand exchanges with various culinary events and domestic and international culinary figures to promote Gyeongbuk's outstanding agricultural specialties and traditional food culture, while expanding the overseas market entry of local agri-foods."

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