Gokseong’s Local Specialties Reimagined as K-Food by Young Chefs

Showcase for "K-Food Create Your Own Menu" Concludes Successfully
Innovative Dishes Highlight Gokseong’s Local Ingredients
World-Class Chefs Mentor Next Generation of Culinary Talent
Showcase Lays Foundation for Youth Employment and Entrepreneurship in Gokseong

Gokseong County held a "K-Food Create Your Own Menu" showcase at Jeonnam Culinary Science High School on the 29th of last month. Photo by Gokseong County

Gokseong County announced on September 3 that it successfully held the "K-Food Create Your Own Menu" showcase at Jeonnam Culinary Science High School on August 29. This event served as the final presentation of the "K-Food Employment and Entrepreneurship Talent Development Program," which was implemented as part of the Education Advancement Special Zone pilot project.

During the showcase, 16 program graduates who had completed a month-long course unveiled innovative dishes they developed using Gokseong’s signature local ingredients such as taro, perilla leaves, black glutinous corn, and melon. Creative dishes that bridged Korean and Western cuisines-including Perilla Leaf Cottage Keema Curry, Taro Gnocchi, Perilla Pesto Pork Tenderloin Steak, and Black Glutinous Corn Financier-received high praise from a tasting panel of around 40 people.

The participation of world-class experts was cited as a key factor in the program’s success. Leading the mentors was Chef Kim Hyunsoo, a native of Gokseong and chef at a Michelin two-star restaurant in Paris, France. Other top authorities included Chef Inocean, owner-chef of Autrement in Suncheon; Chef Lee Sooncheol, owner-chef of Yoriui Bada, a fine dining restaurant in Gwangju; Cho Hyunik, CEO of Johunmo Bakery in Suncheon; and branding specialists. Participants enhanced their professional chef skills through systematic training in menu development, branding, storytelling, and career exploration.

Notably, the showcase was significant not only as a venue to present new dishes but also as a platform for participants to naturally build networks with local food service industry professionals, laying the groundwork for real employment and entrepreneurship opportunities. The county plans to actively support participants’ successful entry into society through the "Employment and Entrepreneurship Support" phase, which will continue through November.

County Governor Cho Sangrae stated, "This showcase demonstrated how Gokseong’s outstanding agricultural products, when combined with the brilliant ideas of young people, can create tremendous added value. We will continue to support Gokseong County in becoming a leading food tourism city for K-Food and a land of opportunity where young people can realize their dreams."

Through the successful hosting of this program, the county presented a leading model for the Education Advancement Special Zone and took an important first step toward nurturing young talent using local resources and attracting new residents to the region.