By Honorary Reporter Nsikak Ekere from Nigeria

Photos = Nsikak Ekere

The Korean Cultural Centre (KCC) in Abuja, Nigeria, on April 12 hosted its second annual Hansik (traditional cuisine) Contest to celebrate UNESCO's recent recognition of the Korean culture of making jang (fermented paste or sauce). 

The event highlighted traditional ingredients like jang in fostering cultural exchange through food.

KCC Director Kim Chang-ki (left) takes a photo with first prize winner Deborah Olabelurin.

Deborah Olabelurin claimed victory in the finals in Abuja, earning prize money of KRW 883,897 and a spot at this year's Namdo International Culinary Expo in Mokpo, Jeollanam-do Province.

Under the theme "Share Your Love for Jang-based Korean Food," the competition attracted over 400 people to the food hub Truck Central in Abuja including Korean Ambassador to Nigeria Kim Pan-kyu.

Olabelurin had made the semifinals in last year's event. Saying she turned in her application on the last day, she said her passion for Hansik and determination led to success.

"It's mindblowing," she said. "I've been dreaming about this for a long time. So my dream coming true is an amazing experience that I want to relive over and over again."

Her winning entry was pan-fried sticky pork with jangjorim (soy-braised beef) and rice using Nigerian ingredients.

Olabelurin said she will document her upcoming Korea trip through food storytelling on YouTube and Instagram, with potential collaboration with the KCC on her culinary insights.

KCC Director Kim Chang-ki (left), Ambassador to Nigeria Kim Pan-kyu (third from left) and a professional chef (second from right) pose with the contest's winners.

Ruth Igybayilola claimed second prize (KRW 618,728) and third (KRW 353,559) went to Patience Berepele, winner of the inaugural event last year.

A crowd packs Truck Central in Abuja for the Hansik contest.

The event included sampling of bibimbap (mixed rice with vegetables), tteokbokki (spicy rice cake), jang and japchae (stir-fried glass noodles). Guests enjoyed chopstick games, quizzes on Korea and K-pop performances.

Hallyu (Korean Wave) fan Adanna Ananaba said, "I really enjoyed it, from the K-pop dance to the games. I won a chopstick set from the competition and the raffle. I am always happy to spread the word for more people to join the K-community in Abuja."

msjeon22@korea.kr

*This article is written by a Korea.net Honorary Reporter. Our group of Honorary Reporters are from all around the world, and they share with Korea.net their love and passion for all things Korean.