The Korean Cultural Center Los Angeles (Director Haedon Lee) held the Taste of Korea cooking competition on May 23, 2025, in partnership with LA Harbor College. 

The event invited students to create their dishes using Korea’s traditional sauces: doenjang (soybean paste), ganjang (soy sauce), and gochujang (red pepper paste).

The competition was held to celebrate the 2024 UNESCO listing of Korea’s “Jang culture” as an intangible cultural heritage.

Local high school and culinary school students participated, presenting creative main dishes and desserts that highlighted the flavors and traditions of Korean cuisine.

Along with the competition, visitors enjoyed workshops on using Korean sauces in everyday cooking and experienced tastings and cultural booths supported by the Jeollanam-do and Chungcheongnam-do U.S. offices.

The Korean Cultural Center plans to continue promoting Korean cuisine in the U.S. through partnerships with culinary schools, chef talks, and hands-on programs.