Gospel Counselor Wins First-Ever Korean Cooking Contest in Abuja
Mrs. Patience Berepele, a gospel counselor, emerged as the winner of the inaugural 2024 ‘Hansik’ (Korean food) contest held in Abuja on Saturday. The competition, organized by the Korea Cultural Centre in Nigeria (KCCN), centered on the theme “Hansik: Korean Food Based on Traditional Jang (Fermented Sauces) Culture.”
The contest showcased popular Korean dishes like Tteokbokki, Ramen, Yukgaejang, Galbitang, Yakgwa, and Rice Crackers. Berepele triumphed over one team and seven individual contestants, taking home a grand prize of N1 million.
Victor Mac-Adonai secured second place with a prize of N700,000, while Yahya Bindir placed third, winning N400,000.
Expressing her joy, Berepele, who is also a minister of the gospel, praised God for her victory. She emphasized the hard work and dedication required to excel in the competition, which spanned from June to July.
“I can’t fully express how grateful I am for this win. It was a tough competition, and all the contestants gave their best,” she said. “I love cooking and am passionate about exploring other cultures, which helped me succeed. I practiced extensively at home, and participating in the classes further prepared me.”
Berepele prepared a winning dish of Ssambap with Bulgogi Ssamjang, accompanied by Doenjang Jjigae, and three side dishes: rolled omelette (Gyeran Mari), eggplant (Gaji Namul), and bean sprout salad (Sukjunamul). She thanked KCCN for the opportunity and praised their efforts in promoting Korean culture in Nigeria.
Second-place winner Victor Mac-Adonai, an engineering graduate, shared his passion for cooking, quoting renowned chef Auguste Gusteau: “Anyone can cook.” He emphasized that cooking requires creativity and fearlessness, which motivated him to participate in the contest.
Third-place winner Yahya Bindir, a software developer, expressed excitement about his achievement and gratitude to his family, friends, and KCCN for their support.
KCCN Director Mr. Kim Changki highlighted the significance of the Hansik contest in fostering cultural exchange between Nigeria and Korea, particularly through their food traditions. He also announced plans to collaborate with the Association of Professional Chefs in Nigeria to elevate the program further.
The event’s highlights included games like “Guess the Ingredients,” a spicy noodle “Mukbang” challenge, K-pop dance performances, and a trivia quiz on Korean food.
The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the contest brought Nigerians and Koreans closer through food, sparking greater interest in Korean cuisine and culture.
