Korean-South African Culinary Exchange Set To Ignite Taste Buds And Boost Tourism In 2026

Published on December 29, 2025

In a major step to strengthen cultural and culinary connections, the South African Chefs Association (SA Chefs) and the Korean Cultural Centre in South Africa (KCCSA) have planned for a three-day Korean-South African Culinary Exchange in January 2026. This event, which will occur in Johannesburg and Pretoria, will gather chefs from both South Korea and South Africa, who will not only present the delightful tastes and exquisite culinary habits of their respective nations but also make the existing bilateral cultural relations even stronger.

A Fusion of Flavours: The Three-Day Culinary Experience

The culinary exchange will feature a series of exciting events, including cooking demonstrations, masterclasses, and a shared Chef’s Table experience, designed to bring the best of South Korean cuisine to South African audiences. Chef Raynor Damons, former director of SA Chefs and food and beverage manager at Accor, expressed his enthusiasm for the collaboration, stating that the event highlights the power of food as a universal language capable of bridging cultural gaps.

Around 10 Korean chefs will travel to South Africa for the exchange, bringing with them the expertise and flavours that define traditional Korean cuisine. Through their demonstrations, they will not only showcase Korean dishes but also share cooking techniques that emphasise harmony and balance, principles central to Korean culinary philosophy.

Culinary Highlights: Exploring Traditional Korean Dishes

As part of the lead-up to the event, Chef Raynor Damons took South African audiences on a gastronomic journey, introducing them to four classic Korean dishes during his appearance on S3’s Expresso Morning Show. These dishes, deeply rooted in Korean tradition, offer a glimpse into the vibrant flavours that will feature prominently in the culinary exchange:

• Bibimbap: This dish, a mixed rice bowl, combines vegetables, meat, egg, and gochujang (Korean chili paste), symbolising balance and unity. Bibimbap is a perfect representation of Korean cuisine’s focus on creating harmony between flavours.
• Bulgogi: Marinated Korean BBQ beef, traditionally grilled and shared at the table, embodies the essence of Korean dining, communal, interactive, and bursting with flavour.
• Bibim Mandu: Pan-fried dumplings served with a spicy-sweet sauce, showcasing the lively, social aspect of Korean street food culture.
• LA Galbi: Marinated short ribs, offering a perfect blend of sweet and savoury flavours, demonstrating the meticulous marination techniques that are central to Korean cooking.

Strengthening Bilateral Ties and Tourism

While the culinary exchange highlights the richness of South Korean cuisine, it also offers a unique opportunity to boost tourism. The event underscores the role of food in promoting cross-cultural tourism, an area that both South Korea and South Africa are eager to expand. The collaboration not only brings awareness to the diverse culinary traditions of Korea but also creates an avenue for future tourism exchanges.

As Chef Damons notes, the event serves as a stepping stone towards encouraging South African tourists to explore South Korea’s culinary and cultural offerings. The growing interest in Korean cuisine and culture, spurred by events like this, is expected to draw more South African visitors to South Korea in the coming years. With a growing appetite for Korean food and culture in South Africa, this exchange opens the door for greater South Korean tourism promotion, highlighting South Korea’s gastronomic delights, historical landmarks, and vibrant cities.

What’s New for Tourists Visiting South Korea in 2026

The tourism sector in South Korea is set to benefit significantly from this exchange. As South African tourists explore South Korea, they can expect new features tailored to enhance their travel experience. South Korea has been expanding its tourism infrastructure, with a focus on providing immersive cultural experiences for international visitors. New culinary tours are being introduced, offering tourists the chance to dive deep into Korea’s rich food history through hands-on cooking classes, food markets, and visits to renowned restaurants.

In addition to the culinary experiences, tourists can expect to see more experiential offerings, such as traditional Korean tea ceremonies, K-pop-themed attractions, and guided tours of Seoul’s ancient palaces and temples. These new developments reflect South Korea’s commitment to welcoming international visitors and providing them with a truly memorable stay.

Moreover, South Korea’s recent efforts to position itself as a leader in sustainable tourism will resonate with environmentally conscious travellers. From eco-friendly hotels to green tourism initiatives, South Korea is making strides in ensuring that tourism remains sustainable, benefiting both visitors and local communities.

A Promising Future for Culinary Tourism

The three-day Korean-South African Culinary Exchange is not only an exciting event for food lovers but also a testament to the power of culinary diplomacy. As chefs from both countries work together to create fusion dishes and share their expertise, they are laying the foundation for long-term collaboration in the culinary and tourism sectors.

The event will surely be a breakthrough for the two countries in terms of gastronomy and tourism, since South Korea and South Africa are both devoted to promoting their cultural exchange. The increase in tourism brings along the possibility of discovering and enjoying the rich and varied cultures of the two countries, which is a great opportunity.