- When Seven Colours Met Bibimbap: A Culinary Exchange Between South Africa and Korea - K-Food Beyond the Hype: How South African Chefs Are Making It Their Own     From fiery Korean noodles lining supermarket shelves to fermented sauces and jars of kimchi becoming pantry staples, Korean food—also known as Hansik, or now popularly termed K-Food—is no longer unfamiliar in South Africa. Once a niche curiosity, Korean flavours are now finding their way into everyday shopping baskets, while Korean restaurants continue to multiply across major cities, drawing diners eager for bold, spicy, and deeply layered tastes. As Korean culture gains momentum through music, film, and food, South African chefs are increasingly looking beyond trends to understand what makes Korean cuisine work—and how it might speak to their own culinary landscape.   That curiosity came into sharp focus in January, when chefs in South Africa gathered for a three-day professional culinary exchange exploring Korean cuisine not as a trend, but as a global culinary language with room for local reinterpretation.   From 19 to 21 January, the Korean Cultural Centre in South Africa hosted the Global K-Food Festival, bringing together local chefs, culinary students, and Korean chefs for an intensive programme of talks, hands-on cooking sessions, and tastings. The event was developed in collaboration with the Global Hansik Masters Association and the South African Chefs Association (SACA).   Unlike a public food festival, the programme was designed specifically for professionals, focusing on how Korean cuisine works—from its structure and balance of flavours to its adaptability across cultures.   The first day centred on a Korean cuisine masterclass, introducing participants to the foundations of Korean cooking, including ingredients, preparation methods, and the role of fermented sauces. Through guided cooking sessions, chefs explored dishes such as bibimbap (a mixed rice dish topped with seasoned vegetables, protein, and sauce) and kimchi (fermented vegetables seasoned with chili, garlic, and spices), gaining insight into how balance, contrast, and layering shape Korean flavours.   On the second day, the programme shifted toward creative adaptation. Korean chefs working internationally presented dishes that fused Korean techniques with elements from other culinary traditions, demonstrating how Korean cuisine can travel beyond its origins. From Western-style salads incorporating ssamjang (a fermented soybean-chili paste) to Southeast Asian-inspired dishes built around Korean marinades, discussions focused on flexibility, not imitation.   The exchange reached its most dynamic moment on the final day, when chefs from both countries presented Korean-inspired creations of their own. South African chefs, in particular, drew attention by reinterpreting familiar local dishes through Korean techniques. A highlight was a reimagined version of Seven Colours, a traditional South African home-style dish built around a variety of colourful components. Often compared visually to bibimbap, the dish was recreated using Korean sauces and preparation methods, revealing striking parallels between the two food cultures and earning strong reactions from fellow participants.   Many South African chefs noted that while Korean food has been attracting increasing attention locally, opportunities to engage deeply with its traditions have been rare. Participants said the programme helped them better understand the foundations of Korean cuisine—especially fermentation, sauces, and ingredient combinations—and offered practical ideas they plan to apply in their own kitchens.   By the end of the festival, one message was clear: Korean cuisine is no longer viewed simply as a regional specialty, but as a flexible, globally relevant culinary framework. Through direct collaboration and experimentation, the event opened new pathways for Korean flavours to take shape within South Africa’s evolving food scene.     Korean Cultural Centre in South Africa (KCCSA) | 주남아공한국문화원   • Website: https://sa.korean-culture.org/en • YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@kccsa • Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/kcc.sa/ • Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/kccsa • X: https://twitter.com/KCC_SA

  South Korea’s leading oboist Kyeong Ham, Principal Oboist of the Finnish Radio Symphony Orchestra (FRSO), made his highly anticipated South African debut this October, captivating audiences through a weeklong tour of performances and educational engagements.   Invited by the Korean Cultural Centre in South Africa (KCCSA), Ham performed in a series of events from 12 to 19 October, visiting major cultural hubs including Stellenbosch, Cape Town, Pretoria, and Johannesburg. The tour featured recitals, orchestral collaborations, and masterclasses that brought his artistry to both music lovers and young aspiring musicians.   A graduate of the Hanns Eisler Hochschule für Musik Berlin, Ham is celebrated as one of the most accomplished Korean woodwind players of his generation. He first rose to international prominence after winning top prizes at several major competitions, including the ARD International Music Competition in Munich, the Muri International Oboe Competition in Switzerland, and the Tchaikovsky Conservatory International Woodwind Competition in Moscow. Having held principal positions with the Hanover State Opera Orchestra and the Royal Concertgebouw Orchestra Amsterdam, Ham currently serves as Principal Oboe of the FRSO and teaches at the Sibelius Academy in Helsinki.   Ham’s South African tour opened at the country’s renowned multidisciplinary arts festival, Woordfees in Stellenbosch, where he performed a captivating programme featuring works by Bellini, Stravinsky, and a new arrangement of Arirang, Korea’s beloved folk melody. The following day, he appeared on RSG, a national radio station under the South African Broadcasting Corporation (SABC), performing live for its one-million-strong listenership. Later in the week, he took the stage at KCCSA’s “Music On Stage” concert series in Pretoria, before concluding his tour with a stirring collaboration with the Gauteng Philharmonic Orchestra at SABC’s M1 Auditorium in Johannesburg — earning a standing ovation from an enraptured audience.   In addition to his performances, Ham devoted time to mentoring South Africa’s next generation of musicians. He led masterclasses at the University of Cape Town and the University of Pretoria, offering students practical guidance on oboe technique, phrasing, and artistic interpretation, while sharing candid insights from his career as an orchestral and solo performer.   Reflecting on his first visit to the African continent, Ham said, “It was both exciting and humbling to perform here for the first time. I felt a genuine connection with the audiences and musicians — it reminded me of why I love making music. I hope to return and continue building bridges through music across cultures.”   This tour was presented by the Korean Cultural Centre in South Africa, which continues to introduce outstanding Korean artists to South African audiences and promote cultural exchange through classical music. Previous K-Classical tours have featured acclaimed pianist Yeon-Min Park, tenor Kyungho Kim, and cellist Gunwoo Park.     Korean Cultural Centre in South Africa (KCCSA) | 주남아공한국문화원   • Website: https://sa.korean-culture.org/en • YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@kccsa • Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/kcc.sa/ • Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/kccsa • X: https://twitter.com/KCC_SA

  Cape Town came alive last Saturday, 11 October, as Travelling Korea arrived at Groote Schuur High School with a vibrant celebration of Korean culture.   From electrifying K-pop performances to hanbok (traditional attire) fittings, Korean calligraphy, and interactive crafts, every corner of the venue was filled with colour, music, and excitement. Long queues at the Korean snack stalls kept the energy high, while families, students, and K-pop fans came together to enjoy a day of culture and connection.   The warmth and enthusiasm of the Cape Town community made this stop on our Travelling Korea journey truly unforgettable. KCCSA is delighted to have shared Korea’s culture with you and looks forward to bringing Travelling Korea to more cities across South Africa soon.     Korean Cultural Centre in South Africa (KCCSA) | 주남아공한국문화원   • Website: https://sa.korean-culture.org/en • YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@kccsa • Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/kcc.sa/ • Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/kccsa • X: https://twitter.com/KCC_SA

  The Korean Cultural Centre in South Africa (KCCSA) hosted an unforgettable evening of music on 6 October, featuring the acclaimed Korean ensemble Beautiful Mind.   Renowned for their unique blend of classical, jazz, Korean traditional music, and folk songs from around the world, the ensemble captivated audiences with a programme that was as diverse as it was moving. Their performance embodied not only technical mastery but also the ethos of giving with “expect nothing in return,” a philosophy that underpins their work.   From soaring melodies to soulful rhythms, the concert became a celebration of harmony across genres and cultures—showcasing music’s timeless power to connect, inspire, and uplift.   KCCSA extends its heartfelt thanks to all who attended this special performance. We look forward to welcoming you again soon for more Music on Stage!     Korean Cultural Centre in South Africa (KCCSA) | 주남아공한국문화원   • Website: https://sa.korean-culture.org/en • YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@kccsa • Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/kcc.sa/ • Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/kccsa • X: https://twitter.com/KCC_SA

  On 4 October, the Korean Cultural Centre in South Africa (KCCSA) brought together over 100 guests for a festive programme held in the lead-up to Hangeul Day, Korea’s annual celebration of its unique alphabet on 9 October.   The day-long programme introduced guests to the creativity and legacy of Hangeul through an engaging mix of language, crafts, and performance. Activities ranged from a quick “Learn Korean in 30 Minutes” lecture and a class on Korean calligraphy to hands-on sessions where participants made their own Korean name stamps, crafted replicas of the gat (Korea’s traditional wide-brimmed hat), and even sampled dishes at a pop-up Korean ramyeon station.   The highlight of the celebration was a Korean Song Contest, which saw contestants take to the stage after months of preparation to perform their favourite songs in Korean. Their efforts were met with enthusiastic applause and cheers from the audience, creating a vibrant atmosphere that reflected the growing popularity of Korean language and culture in South Africa.   “Hangeul is more than a writing system – it represents the creativity and identity of the Korean people,” said Jiyeol YOU, Director of the Korean Cultural Centre. “We are delighted to see such enthusiasm here in South Africa, and we hope this event offered an accessible and memorable way for South Africans to connect with Korea’s cultural heritage.”   Hangeul Day is celebrated every year on 9 October in Korea, commemorating the proclamation of the Korean alphabet in 1446 by King Sejong the Great. This year marks the 579th anniversary of Hangeul’s creation.   The celebration highlighted how Hangeul’s legacy continues to inspire curiosity and appreciation worldwide, including in South Africa where its story is finding new resonance.     Korean Cultural Centre in South Africa (KCCSA) | 주남아공한국문화원   • Website: https://sa.korean-culture.org/en • YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@kccsa • Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/kcc.sa/ • Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/kccsa • X: https://twitter.com/KCC_SA