K-FOOD UNIVERSE Kicks Off Friday in New Delhi, Bringing Korean Flavors and Culture to India

NEW DELHI. October 25, 2024: Today marks the grand opening of the K-FOOD UNIVERSE event at DLF Avenue Saket in New Delhi, kicking off a month dedicated to exploring the depth and charm of Korean cuisine and culture. Organized by the Korean Ministry of Agriculture, Food, and Rural Affairs and the Korea Agro-Fisheries & Food Trade Corporation, K-FOOD UNIVERSE offers Indian visitors a chance to immerse themselves in the flavors, sights, and sounds of Korea.

This unique cultural pop-up will remain open until November 17, 2024, transforming the outdoor square at DLF Avenue into a vibrant hub of Korean experiences.

Upon entering, visitors are greeted with a space thoughtfully divided into five themed zones, each inspired by iconic Korean landmarks, seamlessly blending the traditional with the modern. The Play Hongdae Zone captures the youthful energy of Hongdae, Seoul’s lively neighborhood known for its artistic and indie scene. Here, visitors can engage in interactive games such as the Chopstick Challenge and the Dalgona Mission, bringing the essence of Korean youth culture alive. The space even includes a photo booth, where guests can capture memories in a setting that mirrors the MZ generation’s love for capturing fun moments.

A short walk brings visitors to the Picnic Hangang Zone, designed to evoke the ambiance of a sunny picnic along Seoul’s beloved Hangang River. This area offers quintessential Korean dishes like Bibimbap, Kimchi fried rice, and the ever-popular Tteokbokki. A DIY Ramyun-making station invites guests to create their own Korean noodle bowls, giving them a memorable taste of the comforting street food Korea is known for.

Moving further, visitors encounter the Seongsu Street Zone, a tribute to the hip, trendsetting neighborhood of Seongsu-dong, often referred to as the Brooklyn of Seoul. Here, fans of Korean pop culture can find exclusive K-POP goods and character-based merchandise, making it a must-visit for enthusiasts looking to add stylish Korean memorabilia to their collections.

The journey continues into the Namdaemoon Market Zone, which has recreated the bustling atmosphere of Korea’s famous traditional markets. This section allows visitors to explore and purchase a variety of Korean food items, including beverages, snacks, and instant noodles, introducing them to the diverse culinary offerings found in Korean markets. Finally, the Kimchi Zone provides an educational experience dedicated to Korea’s iconic fermented dish. Through an engaging exhibit, guests can learn about the history of kimchi and discover its regional varieties, appreciating the cultural and culinary significance of this traditional dish.

K-FOOD UNIVERSE goes beyond the thematic zones to provide a full program of activities designed to engage and entertain visitors. Throughout the week, cultural quiz shows will challenge participants with trivia on Korean convenience store foods and Korean cuisine through an OX quiz format. On weekends, K-POP dance cover teams will perform, energizing the crowd with popular Korean dance numbers, and a cooking program, available through pre-registration, will let visitors follow recipes inspired by Korean artists.

A unique feature of K-FOOD UNIVERSE is the Stamp Rally, which encourages visitor interaction across the different zones. As they explore, visitors can collect stamps by completing specific missions, such as purchasing Korean foods or posting their experiences on social media using designated hashtags. Those who collect enough stamps are rewarded with special souvenirs, adding an extra element of fun and engagement to the event.

The event is open to the public from 2 p.m. to 9 p.m. on weekdays and from 11 a.m. to 9 p.m. on weekends. For Indian visitors, K-FOOD UNIVERSE offers a vibrant cultural journey through Korean foods that blend tradition and modernity, from classic fermented dishes like kimchi and Jang (fermented sauces) to contemporary favorites like Ramyun and Tteokbokki.

At the opening, Hwang Il Yong, Director of the Korean Cultural Centre India, expressed his enthusiasm, stating, “K-Food Universe is a wonderful opportunity to experience both authentic and trendy aspects of Korean culture in an engaging setting. I am confident that this event will make K-Food even more beloved in India.”

For more information, visit K-FOOD UNIVERSE’s Instagram at @k.food_universe_india, where updates and sneak peeks of the event await. This month-long celebration promises a rich tapestry of Korean flavors and culture in the heart of New Delhi, inviting visitors to savor and celebrate all that Korea has to offer.