This summer, Paris was filled with the fervor of sports. Amidst the excitement, Hansik shone brighter than ever. This was thanks to the 'Hansik Banquet’, held in celebration of the opening of 'KOREA HOUSE’, hosted by the Korea Sports & Olympic Committee for the 2024 Paris Olympics. The event brought together people from around the world to experience and fall in love with the unique charms of Hansik.

Hansik Takes the Global Gourmet Stage

On July 25, 2024, the day before the Paris Olympics opening ceremony, Maison de La Chimie in Paris was bustling with crowds for the opening of Korea House. Korea House was set up by the Korean Sports & Olympic Committee to promote Korean culture during the Olympics. On the opening day, the Ministry of Agriculture, Food and Rural Affairs, along with the Korean Food Promotion Institute, collaborated with CJ CheilJedang’s 'The Cuisine.K Project' to host a Hansik banquet.

Before the banquet began, a promotional video was shown to build excitement. The video introduced the 'Designated Excellent Overseas Korean Restaurants’ project run by the Ministry of Agriculture, Food and Rural Affairs and the Korean Food Promotion Institute, and highlighted the main dishes of the evening. It effectively conveyed the allure of Hansik by featuring dishes that blend traditional elements with modern sensibilities.

Hansik Banquet: A Feast for both the Eyes and Palate

At the event, which was an important occasion to promote Hansik to the world, a diverse array of 18 dishes was presented, earning enthusiastic responses from attendees. About 150 international sports officials and media representatives were fascinated by the rich variety of Korean flavors they had never encountered before. It was a moment when Korean food captivated the global palate.

"Indeed, it's as delicious as its reputation suggests. You can tell that a lot of effort went into each dish, and the flavors are truly profound."

After seriously studying the menu, attendees carefully filled their plates, and upon tasting the food, nodded in agreement exclaiming how “delicious" it was. People from various nationalities and backgrounds came together in their enjoyment of Hansik.

There was also a palpable sense of anticipation and curiosity about the dishes. Some attendees could barely contain their excitement as they eagerly awaited the dishes, while others examined each plate with a connoisseur’s gaze. One participant, who regularly enjoys Korean food, remarked, “This event is filled with dishes you wouldn't find anywhere else, making it a treat for both the eyes and the palate.”

The standout dishes included reinterpretations of menus from five Korean restaurants in Paris designated as 'Excellent Overseas Korean Restaurants' by the Korean Food Promotion Institute. The French Japchae, inspired by the japchae (stir-fried glass noodles and vegetables) from Ma-Shi-Ta, and the Bakdae Taco, inspired by the grilled fish from Soon Grill Marais, both preserved the distinctive flavors of Hansik while delighting the audience with their visually appealing presentation.

Additionally, Chogyetang (cold chicken soup), inspired by Jongno Samgyetang's samgyetang (ginseng chicken soup), received high praise for its refreshing and tangy flavor, which perfectly suited the hot weather. The Saeujeot Aioli Pyeonyuk inspired by Yido's bossam (kimchi wraps with pork), and the reinterpretation of Sambuja's' sundae (blood sausage) as sundae skewers also received accolades for the harmonious blend of unusual ingredients.

Boosting Hansik Promotion Through International Events

At one side of the event venue, leaflets detailing the new Korean dishes showcased during the banquet along with postcards indicating the locations of the five Excellent Overseas Korean Restaurants in Paris attracted much attention. The postcards quickly went out of stock due to the high interest from attendees in these top Korean dining spots. A comment from an attendee, "It's amazing that there are Korean restaurants certified by the Korean government in Paris. I really want to visit them", reflected the strong anticipation for Hansik.

New Possibilities of Hansik Experienced by the People All Over the World

At the Hansik banquet, a variety of scenes where people from around the world engaged in lively discussions about Hansik and asked chefs about recipes were witnessed. The event offered a glimpse into the new possibilities of ‘Global Hansik’ showcasing how Korean culinary identity can be preserved while catering to international tastes.

Hansik, thriving and diversifying on the world stage, once again proved its value with renewed global attention during the Paris Olympics. It will continue to showcase its allure worldwide, opening new chapters in the culinary world. We eagerly anticipate the future achievements of Hansik on the international stage.