By Honorary Reporter Emilia Kircheva from Bulgaria

Photos = Korean Embassy in Sofia

The winners of the 2020 Hansik Contest (myself third from the left) hosted by the Korean Embassy in Sofia pose with Korean Ambassador to Bulgaria Jeong Jinkyu (standing center) at the embassy. (Korean Embassy in Sofia)

My passion for Korea influences many things in my life -- my music playlist, my skincare routine, my bookshelves and my fridge. If someone told me five years ago that I would incorporate Korean cooking into my family's daily life, I would've never believed it. But today, I am so proud of my homemade kimchi and my runner-up finish at a Korean food contest in Bulgaria in September last year.

Since seeing characters in a Korean drama eat a tasty meal, I've been mesmerized by Korean cuisine, especially kimchi. I initially found it odd that Koreans eat it with every meal but after discovering how well it goes with most foods, I also want to eat it with every meal.

Unfortunately, kimchi is hard to get in my city, so I had to step up and make my own batch. After much preparation, watching a bunch of video tutorials and going all around town in search of ingredients, I did it.

Admittedly, my first two batches weren't very good. But the third time was the charm, and I finally made kimchi good enough that my family got involved in the eating and then in the preparation of the next batch. We have since adopted a tradition of preparing kimchi; every few months, we make a dozen jars to give to my grandparents and friends.

My kimchi skills came in handy when I entered the online 2020 Hansik Contest hosted by the Korean Embassy in Sofia. My friend and I spent an entire day shooting a video of me preparing kimchi and then edited it over the next few days. The judging panel comprised three professional chefs and more than 90 contestants with various recipes and creative ideas.

I was invited to the awards ceremony at the Korean Embassy in Sofia, so I knew I'd made the top 12. I received the runner-up prize from Korean Ambassador to Bulgaria Jeong Jinkyu.

I (second from left) was among the 12 finalists of the 2020 Hansik Contest. (Korean Embassy in Sofia)

Amid these hard times of social distancing because of the pandemic, this exciting contest brought me much pleasure and inspiration. The best thing is that in the comment section of the contest entry video, I still get requests for advice on making kimchi. I truly love sharing my experience in kimchi making and helping others discover this tasty but healthy dish. If anyone tastes my kimchi, I tell them it's an award-winning dish.

I am proud to say I created an award-winning version of kimchi. (Korean Embassy in Sofia)

enny0611@korea.kr

*This article is written by a Korea.net Honorary Reporter. Our group of Honorary Reporters are from all around the world, and they share with Korea.net their love and passion for all things Korean.