Korean Kimchi Recipe Contest at the University of Arizona

The Korean Kimchi Recipe Contest, hosted by the Korea Agro-Fisheries & Food Trade Corporation Los Angeles Branch (aT Center LA) in collaboration with the University of Arizona’s East Asian Studies Department and the Center for East Asian Studies, was a huge success! Held at the Bear Down Gymnasium on September 26th, the event drew enthusiastic participation from students, faculty, and staff, all showcasing their love and creativity for Korean cuisine.

This contest allowed participants to compete for scholarships totaling $3,000, with the prestigious Kimchi Scholarship of $1,500 awarded to the top recipe winner. The competition began with an online social media round, followed by a virtual quiz show that determined the eight finalists. These finalists then showcased their culinary skills during the live finale, creating unique and flavorful kimchi dishes that impressed the judges and audience alike.

Attendees enjoyed various activities throughout the day, including Korean food product giveaways, a vibrant K-Food photo zone, and product exhibitions. One of the event’s highlights was a special Kimchi conference led by experts from the World Institute of Kimchi (WI KIM), offering in-depth knowledge and insights into the art of kimchi making. The audience was also treated to an engaging kimchi-making demonstration, which inspired many to try creating the iconic Korean dish.

A standout moment came from Chef Ji Hye Kim, the award-winning chef and owner of Miss Kim in Ann Arbor, MI. Chef Kim, a four-time James Beard Award semifinalist, delivered a captivating presentation about her experiences in modern Korean cuisine, sharing tips and tricks with aspiring chefs and food enthusiasts. Her talk resonated with attendees, especially as she was named one of Food & Wine’s Best New Chefs of 2021.

Adding to the excitement, the event also featured an exhilarating K-Pop dance performance, which energized the crowd and added a cultural flair to the culinary festivities.

The Korean Kimchi Recipe Contest not only highlighted the creativity of its participants but also offered a rich cultural experience, celebrating the best of Korean food and tradition. As this year’s contest wraps up, it leaves behind an inspired community eager to explore and appreciate Korean cuisine even further.

For more information on future events, please contact:
HYFIVE, Inc. (Marketing Agency of aT Center Los Angeles)
Email: info@hyfive.world