Traditional Korean jang culture takes center stage as finalists showcase creativity, flavor, and passion for Korean cuisine

ABUJA, Nigeria, March 28, 2026 — The Korean Cultural Center Nigeria successfully held “Meet Hansik through Jang: The 3rd Hansik Cooking Competition” on Saturday, March 28, 2026, at Red Dish Chronicles Culinary School and Truck Central in Abuja.

The event was organized to introduce the richness of Korean jang culture—the traditional fermented sauces and pastes that form the foundation of Korean cuisine—to Nigerian audiences, while also encouraging the development of Korean menu ideas among local participants. In a context where Korean restaurants remain limited in Nigeria, the competition also served as an opportunity to broaden public exposure to Hansik through both culinary performance and hands-on cultural experiences.

Held under the theme “The Soul of Hansik,” this year’s final challenged contestants to prepare one main dish and one side dish using at least one type of jang within one hour. Following an online preliminary round featuring 18 teams, 8 finalist teams advanced to the final round, where they presented Korean-inspired meals highlighting the depth and versatility of traditional jang.

The judging panel consisted of the Director of the Korean Cultural Center Nigeria, the head chef of the Embassy of the Republic of Korea in Nigeria, and Mr. Godfrey Mario Odoh, Vice President of the Professional Chefs Association of Nigeria. Entries were evaluated based on Korean authenticity, composition and level of difficulty, taste and balance, and plating and presentation.

The top prize went to Victor Ogagaoghene Mac-Adonai, who impressed the judges with doenjang jjigae and maekjeok. Second place was awarded to Oluwasegun Faith Igbeyinadun for dakbokkeumtang and geotjeori, while third place went to Favour Dajibesh Datilos for jeyuk bokkeum and gangdoenjang. Winners received cooking-related prizes including an LG refrigerator, microwave oven, and air fryer.

Reflecting on his win, Victor said the title was especially meaningful because it came after years of persistence and repeated attempts. He shared that his interest in Korean food began through programs organized by the Korean Cultural Center Nigeria, and that working with jang deepened his appreciation for Korea’s culinary heritage. He added that the competition gave him a valuable opportunity to express his passion for both Korean food and Korean culture in Nigeria.

In addition to the cooking competition, the event featured a range of public side programs, including a jang exhibition and tasting booth, a dalgona-making experience, a Korean food quiz booth, a hanbok experience, and a photo zone. The audience also enjoyed celebratory performances by students from the Center’s K-pop dance classes and a special stage by Xtreme Movement, winner of the dance category at last year’s K-pop Festival. Approximately 300 people attended the event, reflecting growing local interest in Korean food and culture.

The Director of the Korean Cultural Center Nigeria said the competition offered Nigerian participants a meaningful opportunity to experience the depth and diversity of Korean cuisine through one of its most essential ingredients. The Center added that it will continue to create platforms for local audiences to engage with Korean food and culture through future programs.