Introduction to Hansik Contest
An analyst, Ms Deborah Olabelurin, has emerged winner of the second edition of the 2025 ‘Hansik’ (Korean food) contest final round held in Abuja, carting home a N1 million cash prize and a trip to Korea. The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that Hansik is widely celebrated for its freshness, varieties, well-seasoned ingredients, deliciousness and high health benefits. In 2004, the World Health Organisation (WHO) selected Hansik as a ‘model’ for nutritional balancing.
The Contest Overview
The Hansik contest with the theme:’ Share your Love for Jang-based Korean Food, was in celebration of the UNESCO registration of Jang Culture (Jang Korean Sauces). The competition, which was organised by the Korea Cultural Centre in Nigeria (KCCN) in collaboration with Korean Food Promotion Institute (KFPI), had 12 finalists with two teammates and Olabelurin emerging as winners. The Hansik competition was based on Jang Korean Sauces that featured Korean foods tasting such as cup Ramyeon, cup Tteakbokki, cup Bibimbap, Dakgangjeong and Japchae by Nigerians that are lovers of Korean culture.
Winners of the Contest
Ms Igbayilola Olowu came second, winning N700,000 cash while Mrs Patience Berepele who came third, took home a cash prize of N400,000. Olabelurin, who felt so excited, said words were not sufficient for her to express her joy. According to her, the extension of the deadline made her to give the contest a second thought, adding that she did not plan to join this year’s contest after her elimination at the final in 2024.
Contestant Experiences
For Olowu, a student, who came second, she said the competition has made her to love Korean culture more and being able to use ‘Gochugaru’ to prepare Korean food made her more excited. Mrs Patience Berepele has expressed gratitude to God for making it to the third prize winner. Berepele, who was the winner of the maiden edition in 2024, appreciated KCCN for giving her another opportunity to participate.
Organisers’ Perspectives
The Director of KCCN, Mr Kim Changki, said the initiative of Hansik contest is aimed at promoting Korean culture, reason why they invited K-pop dancers and prepared Korean food. Changki said that the initiative had brought synergy between Nigerians and Koreans in many aspects, especially in their food culture. He said that the Hansik contest will continue even after his tenure, stressing that the Korean government was aware that Nigerians love their culture.
Event Highlights
The event also witnessed Korean spicy challenge, Korean food concentrate (names of Korean food), as well as “Chopsticks” game challenge where players competed to pick up objects with chopsticks. The highlight of the competition was a performance by ‘Jumparewa’ K-pop dancers that comprised of seven ecstatic dancers who thrilled K-pop lovers with their unique dance styles.
Conclusion
The Hansik contest has been a huge success, promoting Korean culture and food in Nigeria. The contest has not only brought Nigerians and Koreans together but has also provided a platform for Nigerians to learn about and appreciate Korean cuisine. With plans to continue the contest, it is expected to grow and become a major event in Nigeria’s cultural calendar.
FAQs
- What is Hansik?
Hansik is a Korean food that is widely celebrated for its freshness, varieties, well-seasoned ingredients, deliciousness and high health benefits. - What was the theme of the 2025 Hansik contest?
The theme of the 2025 Hansik contest was ‘Share your Love for Jang-based Korean Food’. - Who were the winners of the contest?
The winners of the contest were Ms Deborah Olabelurin, Ms Igbayilola Olowu, and Mrs Patience Berepele. - What were the prizes for the winners?
The prizes for the winners were N1 million cash prize and a trip to Korea for the first place, N700,000 cash for the second place, and N400,000 cash for the third place. - Who organised the contest?
The contest was organised by the Korea Cultural Centre in Nigeria (KCCN) in collaboration with Korean Food Promotion Institute (KFPI).
Source: nannews.ng
