Korean Cultural Centre hosts K-Food Academy in Cairo to boost Korea-Egypt cultural ties

Alsharq Tribune-M.Essam 

The KCC, with the Jeonbuk Culture and Tourism Foundation and Jeonju University, hosted the 2026 K-Food Academy in Cairo from 17 to 21 May.The five-day academy aims to strengthen cultural exchange between Korea and Egypt through culinary arts, while introducing Egyptian audiences and culinary professionals to the philosophy, ingredients, and traditions of Korea’s Jeonbuk region.

A key feature of the academy was its focus on Jeonbuk’s well-known regional ingredients. Instead of large public cooking demonstrations, the programme was designed as a small masterclass experience. Each session included only eight participants, allowing attendees to receive direct guidance from Korean culinary experts.

The academy was led by Su-in Kim, who brings nearly two decades of experience in culinary education and research. Professor Kim was joined by Research Professor Ji-in Park and six specialized researchers, forming an eight-member delegation dedicated to delivering authentic Korean culinary training in Egypt.

Beyond cooking techniques and recipes, the academy explored the philosophy and aesthetics of Korean cuisine through special lectures on the traditions of fermentation, food preservation, and healthy eating culture. These sessions are designed to deepen participants’ understanding of the cultural values embedded in Korean culinary heritage.

Throughout the programme, participants took part in themed sessions covering Korean street food, plant-based cuisine, royal court dishes, healthy medifood concepts, and Hallyu-inspired contemporary Korean cooking.

Commenting on the initiative, KCC Director Oh Sungho said Jeonbuk Special Self-Governing Province is widely known in Korea as the “home of flavour” because of its fertile plains, natural environment, and long tradition of fermentation and culinary craftsmanship passed down through generations.added that Jeonju, the capital of Jeonbuk, has been designated by UNESCO as a Creative City of Gastronomy for preserving traditional Korean cuisine while adapting it to modern trends, making it one of Korea’s leading culinary destinations. 

On the sidelines of the event, the Jeonbuk Culture and Tourism Foundation and the Korean Cultural Centre in Egypt signed a memorandum of understanding aimed at strengthening cooperation in promoting Jeonbuk’s culinary heritage and tourism in Egypt