Australian food takes center stage at G'day ROK event — but don't expect Toowoomba pasta

A chef serves Australian food during the Australia Chamber of Commerce in Korea's Australia Day at the Grand Hyatt Seoul, Jan. 31, 2020. Courtesy of AustCham Korea

The Australian Chamber of Commerce in Korea (AustCham) is offering the finest food the antipodean nation has to offer at the G’day R.O.K event on Friday, March 27, at the Grand Hyatt Seoul.

The chamber’s flagship event is hosting an evening of networking, food, drink, live music and giveaways, including the chance to win a flight to Australia.

Prior to the event, AustCham will hold an invitation-only ceremony presenting the Australia-Korea Business Awards (AKBA), recognizing outstanding individuals and organizations contributing to the Australia-Korea business relationship across a range of sectors.

"At a time of rising geopolitical tensions and increasing strain on global supply chains, the Australia-Korea economic partnership is taking on renewed strategic importance," said Rowan Petz, AustCham CEO. "The AKBA awards help shine a spotlight on how important it is for countries like ours with such complementary economies and democratic values to work together for common prosperity and economic security."

Suspended since 2020, AKBA finally returns this year, now paired with G’day R.O.K in a move to refresh the format and branding.

“AKBA and G’day R.O.K will showcase the full breadth of the modern Australia-Korea relationship in one evening,” Petz said. “The awards recognize excellence across the Australia-Korea bilateral business, while G’day R.O.K opens that momentum up to the wider community through food, culture, creativity and connection.”

After the awards ceremony, the G’day R.O.K event will run from 6:30 p.m. to 9:30 p.m.

The high point of the evening’s entertainment will be a performance by Australian Korean singer-songwriter Olivia Marsh. Marsh is the older sister of former NewJeans member Danielle, but she has emerged into the spotlight on her own, debuting as a solo artist in 2024 under Warner Music Korea’s MPLIFY label.

“We are delighted to have Olivia Marsh performing at G’day R.O.K,” Petz said. “She represents a modern Australia-Korea connection, and her bicultural identity and contemporary sound make her a particularly strong fit for an event that is all about celebrating modern Australia in Seoul.”

Australian Korean singer-songwriter Olivia Marsh / Courtesy of MPLIFY

Throughout the evening, a stand-up buffet will offer premium Australian foods, including beef, lamb and seafood, plus a drinks selection showcasing Australian wine alongside beer, gin and nonalcoholic beverages.

“Australia is known for its wide-open spaces, clean, green environment and premium quality, and those strengths come through clearly in its food and beverages,” Petz said. “What we want people in Korea to experience is produce that is fresh, trusted and world-class, with high-quality ingredients that really speak for themselves.”

The lack of “Toowoomba” dishes may or may not surprise any attendees at the event, as the cream sauce, often paired with pasta or seafood, has no connection with the inland Australian city of Toowoomba. It became known mainly through the Australian-themed U.S. restaurant chain Outback Steakhouse, and has since spread to other products. It is sometimes shortened to “Toomba,” and even “K-Toowoomba” products have appeared.

“I have been watching the Toowoomba pasta story for a couple of years now,” Petz admitted. “It is genuinely perplexing, and pretty funny, how it has evolved. On the bright side, it is giving a small regional city in Queensland some unexpected limelight. My view is that the Toowoomba products have no real origin in Australia, but they do spark curiosity. If it gets more Koreans Googling Australia and learning something new, that is a net positive, even if the sauce itself is not Australian.”

Rowan Petz, CEO of the Australian Chamber of Commerce in Korea (AustCham), poses with his staff during the chamber's Mix at Six networking event in Andaz Seoul Gangnam, March 11. Courtesy of AustCham

Petz plans to step down from his role with AustCham following this event, as he is set to leave the country.

“After more than 10 years in Korea, this event feels like a very meaningful way to close this chapter,” he said. “It has been a privilege to witness how much closer Australia and Korea have become over that time, not just in business or government, but through the personal connections and trust that have been built between people.”

Tickets for G’day R.O.K cost 210,000 won each, or 190,000 won for AustCham members and ANZA Korea members. Group ticket packages are available. Visit austchamkorea.org for more information.