The Korean Cultural Centre Nigeria invites interested participants to participate in the 2026 KCCN Hansik Competition.

Contest Theme: “THE SOUL OF HANSIK”

Hansik (Korean cuisine) is more than food — it is culture, philosophy, history, and emotion served on a plate. The theme “Soul of Hansik” invites participants to explore the heart of Korean cooking through its essential spirit: harmony, balance, authenticity, and respect for ingredients.

At the center of Hansik lies Jang — traditional Korean fermented sauces such as doenjang (soybean paste), gochujang (chili paste), and ganjang (soy sauce). These sauces are not just seasonings; they are the foundation of flavor, representing time, patience, and heritage passed down through generations. Through fermentation, Jang embodies depth, umami, and the living tradition of Korean households.

The Soul of Hansik expresses itself in:

• ●Harmony (조화) – The balance of colors, textures, and flavors: spicy, savory, sweet, and fermented notes working together.

• ●Balance (균형) – Nutritional and visual balance, often seen in the combination of rice, protein, vegetables, and side dishes.

• ●Authenticity (정통성) – Respecting traditional techniques while understanding the philosophy behind them.

• ●Sincerity (정성) – Cooking with care, intention, and storytelling.

Competition Overview

The 2026 Hansik Competition consists of two rounds:

1st Round – Online Preliminary

Participants must prepare a Korean dish using Jang (Korean sauces) as the core ingredient.
Note: Instant foods such as ramyeon will not be accepted.

Submission Requirements (Via google form):

• ●A written explanation (Why you love Korean food & why you chose your dish – up to 300 words each)

• ●A detailed recipe

• ●A 3-minute maximum cooking video clearly showing the use of Jang

• ●A photo of the finished dish with the Jang used

• ●A team photo with the prepared dish

• ●Upload links (Google Drive or social media) submitted via Google Form

Note: Bonus points will be awarded for social media uploads.

CLICK HERE TO SUBMIT

1^st Round Judging Criteria (100 Points)

• ●Theme Relevance (Jang) – 20

• ●Composition & Creativity – 20

• ●Authenticity to Hansik – 20

• ●Plating – 15

• ●Difficulty – 15

• ●Storytelling (Sincerity) – 10

• ●Social Media Bonus – 5

Registration & Entry: February 13 – March 1, 2026
Finalists Announcement: March 6, 2026

Rehearsal class for finalists – March 19, 2026

Grand Finale: March 28, 2026

Final Round – Offline Competition

Finalists will receive a fixed basket of essential Hansik ingredients and must create:

• ●1 Main Dish

• ●1 Side Dish

Mandatory Ingredients:

• ●Glutinous Rice (cooked)

• ●Jang

• ●Protein (Beef, Chicken, or Pork)

Supporting Ingredients (Provided by KCCN):

Garlic, spring onions, sesame oil, sesame seeds, soy sauce, salt, sugar, onion, cooking oil, canned kimchi.

Note: No foreign sauces or non-Korean flavor bases allowed.

Challenge Brief:

Using the provided staples, contestants must create a dish that reflects the essence of Korean cuisine — harmony, balance, authenticity, and respect for ingredients.

Judging Criteria (100 Points)

·         Hansik Identity – 30

·         Creativity & Interpretation – 25

·         Taste & Balance – 25

·         Presentation & Story – 10

·         Ingredient Respect – 10

Awards:

• ●Grand Hansik Prize

• ●Best Interpretation of Tradition

**Prize details will be announced later**

CLICK HERE TO SUBMIT