A guidance counsellor, Patience Berepele, has emerged as the winner in the final of the 2024 maiden edition of the ‘Hansik’ (Korean food) contest in Abuja.

The Ambassador of the Republic of Korea to Nigeria, Kim Pankyu, presented a cheque of one million naira to the winner.

Ms Berepele said the journey to her winning the contest started in June.

“I feel so excited; words cannot describe how I feel as the overall winner. It was a keen contest. I thank God and KCCN for the opportunity.

“They have done well in promoting Korean culture in Nigeria; this is because, in the second round of the contest, they found a way of blending Nigerian and Korean elements,” Ms Berepele said.

Similarly, the first runner-up, Victor Mac-Adonai, appreciated KCCN for giving him the opportunity to participate in the contest.

“Anyone can cook, yes, but only the fearless can be great. A cook makes food; I love food, therefore, I love to cook.

“People think cuisine is snooty, exclusively meant for the elites, and therefore a chef must also be snooty. But it’s not so; a cook is someone who makes food. You must not let anyone define your limits,” Mr Mac-Adonai stressed.

The second runner-up, Yahaya Bindo, a software developer, expressed pleasure at coming third and appreciated KCCN, his family, and friends for their support.

While Ms Berepele went home with one million naira, Mr Mac-Adonai received seven hundred thousand naira, and Ms Bindo got four hundred thousand naira, respectively.

Speaking after the event, Ms Pankyu said the embassy is planning to open a Korean restaurant in Abuja for Nigerians yearning for Korean cuisines.

“Many Nigerians are in love with Korean food, but unfortunately, we don’t have a restaurant in Abuja that makes Korean food.

“However, we are planning to open a Korean restaurant in Abuja; I don’t know when, but very soon.

“We want to do this so that Nigerians can enjoy Korean cuisines, and that will further boost the cultural relationship between the two countries,” Ms Pankyu said.

(NAN)