…as Deborah Olabelurin wins ₦1m, trip to Korea at 2025 Hansik Cooking Contest in Abuja

By Favour Ulebor

Abuja – The Republic of Korea is strengthening its cultural ties with Nigeria, using the universal languages of food and music to bridge distances and foster mutual understanding.

At the heart of this cultural exchange was the 2025 edition of the Hansik Korean food contest, held over the weekend in Abuja.

The vibrant event brought together Nigerian food lovers and K-pop enthusiasts in a colourful celebration of Korean cuisine.

The event, themed “Share Your Love for Jang-Based Korean Food”, highlighted the cultural significance of Jang—the traditional Korean sauces recently recognized by UNESCO.

A Nigerian food analyst, Deborah Olabelurin, emerged the winner of the competition, clinching the top prize of ₦1 million and a sponsored trip to Korea.

Her skillful preparation of Korean dishes wowed the judges, which included Korean embassy officials and local culinary experts.

“This is more than a competition—it’s a life-changing opportunity. I’m incredibly grateful to the Korean Culture Center for this platform,” Olabelurin said.

The Director of the Korean Cultural Centre in Nigeria (KCCN), Mr. Kim Changki, said the event marked his final official duty before concluding his tenure in May.

He said, “Nigerians have embraced Korean pop and cuisine with so much passion. This contest is about celebrating that connection”.

Culture and Events Officer, Ms. Yunjin Lee, praised the enthusiasm and diversity of the participants.

She said, “The inclusion of K-pop, fun games, and traditional food challenges made this year’s contest truly special”.

The Vice President of the Association of Professional Chefs Nigeria (APCN), Chef Godfrey Odoh, said the judging process was fair and focused on authenticity.

“Deborah captured the essence of ‘Jang’, which is the soul of Korean cuisine,” he noted.

The competition featured 12 finalist teams who cooked signature Korean dishes like Bibimbap, Japchae, Tteokbokki, and Dakgangjeong.

Second and third prizes went to Ruth Igbayiola Olowo and Patience Vincent, respectively.

Beyond the cooking, the event also featured traditional games like the “Chopsticks Challenge,” a Korean spicy food contest, and a crowd-thrilling performance by Jumparewa, a Nigerian K-pop dance group.