Discovering Korea’s Hospitality Through Food

Last week, during the APEC summit held in Gyeongju and Busan, Korea’s gastro-diplomacy was truly on display. From grand gala dinners to seemingly simple snack boxes, the aim was to show hospitality, craft, regional identity, and win hearts. Among the many memorable items, two local bites stood out: the stir-fried version of Korea’s iconic kimchi, and the red-bean-filled pastry known as Hwangnam‑ppang (also called “Gyeongju bread”).

Fried Kimchi – A familiar staple, transformed

You’re probably familiar with kimchi (the fermented cabbage dish). But at the summit, it was served in a different form: fried kimchi, that is, sautéed kimchi, given special attention.

Why does this matter?

• It shows how even a humble domestic dish can become a diplomatic asset when presented thoughtfully.
• The transformation (fermented → stir-fried) brings both familiarity and novelty.
• Background: stir-fried kimchi (김치볶음) is a well-loved side dish in Korea: you fry chopped fermented kimchi (often older kimchi) with onion, maybe sesame oil, perhaps some gochujang. 
• From a travel/food blogger’s perspective: inviting this dish to delegates gives them a “taste of Korea” beyond the usual BBQ or bibimbap.

Hwangnam-ppang – The sweet local ambassador

Why does this matter?

• Offering a region’s signature sweet pastry as a gift to delegates underscores local pride.
• Its endorsement (and praise) by visiting dignitaries gives it global visibility.
• For travellers: buying a box of Hwangnam-ppang in Gyeongju not only supports local tradition, it’s a meaningful memento.

Closing thoughts

Food is more than sustenance, it’s culture, craft, story, and hospitality all in one. At the APEC summit, Korea didn’t merely serve dishes, it presented narratives: of tradition (kimchi), of regional pride (Gyeongju bread), of welcoming the world. As you write your blog or produce a video, lean into those stories: the steam rising from the fried kimchi, the pastry box opened in front of delegates, the local bakery still using hand-craft methods.