Jung Min-ho has worked as a staff writer at The Korea Times since 2012, mostly covering social and political issues. He currently belongs to the Politics & City Desk where he covers topics such as health, labor and human rights. Prior to joining the team, he was responsible for covering North Korea and sports. His article about a biosecurity breach of Middle East respiratory syndrome won him an award from the Korea Science Journalists Association in 2016. He is also the co-author of the book, "Medical Pioneers of Korea" (2019). He served as the head of the international relations committee at the Journalists Association of Korea from 2021 to 2023.
Vietnamese team wins top prize at Yongsan’s Multicultural Cooking Contest
Participants of the 15th Multicultural Cooking Contest pose at Yongsan Family Center in Seoul, Saturday. Courtesy of Yongsan District Office
By Jung Min-ho
A Vietnamese team took home the top prize at the 15th Multicultural Cooking Contest held at Yongsan Family Center, a culinary event celebrating the district’s diversity.
Officials said Monday that Yongsan hosted the "Global Flavors Meet Korean Taste" event, reflecting the district’s status as home to the highest number of households with foreign-born spouses in Seoul.
Shaped by decades as the site of a major U.S. military base and the cosmopolitan neighborhood of Itaewon, Yongsan remains Seoul’s most ethnically diverse district, characterized by a sizable foreign resident population, numerous embassies, and the city’s largest mosque.
Teams representing seven countries — Nigeria, India, Vietnam, Japan, the Philippines, China, and Mexico — participated, each tasked with preparing an original fusion dish that incorporated traditional kimchi and at least one of three Korean-style sauces: soy sauce, gochujang (red chili paste) or doenjang (fermented soybean paste).
The Vietnamese team impressed the judges the most with their spring rolls and vibrant rainbow fried rice, earning the grand prize, according to district officials. The Mexican and Chinese teams took second and third place, respectively.
Reflecting on their victory, the Vietnamese team said they were glad to win the competition and enjoyed the whole process.
The event also featured interactive experiences for visitors, including the chance to try on traditional garments and play the traditional games of the participating countries.
“I was delighted to feel the value of culture and communication there through special fusion dishes created from the meeting of kimchi and traditional foods from other countries,” said Park Hee-young, head of the district. “In Yongsan-gu, where diverse cultures coexist, I will do my utmost to ensure that everyone can live together joyfully.”