From Jeonbuk to Cairo: 2026 K-Food Academy Strengthens Korea–Egypt Cultural Exchange

 

 

The Korean Cultural Center in Egypt (KCC), in collaboration with the Jeonbuk Culture and Tourism Foundation and Jeonju University, hosts the 2026 K-Food Academy in Cairo from May 17 to 21, 2026.

 

The five-day academy aims to strengthen cultural exchange between Korea and Egypt through culinary arts while introducing Egyptian audiences and culinary professionals to the philosophy, ingredients, and traditions of Korea’s Jeonbuk region.

 

A defining feature of the academy is its focus on Jeonbuk’s signature regional ingredients. Rather than large-scale cooking demonstrations, the program is designed as an exclusive masterclass experience. Each session will host only eight participants, creating an intensive 1:1 mentorship environment where attendees can receive personalized guidance from Korean culinary experts.

 

The academy will be led by Su-in Kim, who brings nearly two decades of experience in culinary education and research. Professor Kim will be joined by Research Professor Ji-in Park and six specialized researchers, forming an eight-member delegation dedicated to delivering authentic K-food education and world-class culinary training in Egypt.

 

Beyond cooking techniques and recipes, the academy will explore the philosophy and aesthetics of Korean cuisine through special lectures on the traditions of fermentation, food preservation, and healthy eating culture. These sessions are designed to deepen participants’ understanding of the cultural values embedded in Korean culinary heritage.

 

Throughout the program, participants will take part in themed sessions covering Korean street food, plant-based cuisine, royal court dishes, healthy medifood concepts, and Hallyu-inspired contemporary Korean cooking.

 

Commenting on the initiative, Oh Sungho Director of the KCC said that Jeonbuk Special Self-Governing Province is widely recognized as the “home of flavor” in Korea due to its fertile plains, pristine natural environment, and long-standing traditions of fermentation and culinary craftsmanship passed down through generations.

 

He added that Jeonju, the capital of Jeonbuk State, has been designated by UNESCO as a Creative City of Gastronomy for preserving the authentic roots of traditional Korean cuisine while modernizing it with a contemporary spirit, making it one of Korea’s leading culinary destinations.

 

On the sidelines of the academy, a memorandum of understanding (MOU) has been signed between the Jeonbuk Culture and Tourism Foundation and the Korean Cultural Center in Egypt, aimed at strengthening mutual cooperation in promoting Jeonbuk’s unique culinary heritage and tourism content in Egypt.

 

 

This article is a press release from the Korean Embassy.