The Mayor said in his opening speech at the event held at Misa Gyeongjeong Park: “It is an honor that a meaningful event to remember the sacrifices of our patriotic ancestors is being held in Hanam. I express my deepest gratitude and respect to the families of veterans who devoted themselves to the country.”
The 2025 Korea Memorial Food Festa is an event hosted by the Ministry of Patriots and Veterans Affairs and sponsored by Hanam City. It is a special cultural festival that sheds new light on the history of the independence movement and war through food in commemoration of the 80th anniversary of liberation and the month of national defense and veterans.
A pre-event program was held on the first day of the event (13th) before the opening ceremony, where chefs Kim Mi-ryeong and Jo Gwang-hyo competed in a cooking competition under the theme of a “Liberation Recipe.” The two chefs each presented mushroom tofu stew with pine nuts, potato dumplings, and corn sauce, receiving a great response from the audience.
In addition, Chef Choi Hyun-seok reinterpreted the seafood stew and wheat bread dish enjoyed by Mr. Seo Young-hae, who received the Order of Patriotism in 1995 and who engaged in diplomatic activities in France during the Japanese colonial period, while Chef Jeong Ho-yeong presented a live cooking show in which he cooked flat tofu stir-fry on the spot, made using tofu grown by Mr. Oh Geon-hae, who received the Order of Patriotism in 2017 and is a patriotic activist.
When night fell at Misagyeongjeong Park, singers Gyeongseo and Jeon Yujin performed an opening ceremony, as around 1,000 drones created a “scene of memory.” The drone show depicted independence activists such as Kim Gu (1962 Republic of Korea Medal) and Yun Bonggil (1962 Republic of Korea Medal) transforming into chefs and preparing and tasting food, movingly conveying the meaning of the 80th anniversary of liberation.
On the 14th, Chef Ahn Yu-seong presented “Pyongyang Naengmyeon” as well as and “May 18th Democratization Movement Rice Balls.” Chef Jeong Ji-seon presented ‘”Jungjji” (a food made by wrapping glutinous rice or rice flour in bamboo leaves or lotus leaves and steaming it) and “Chongyubyung” (a pancake made by adding sesame oil and green onions to wheat flour dough and grilling it) which are known to have been enjoyed by Kim Gu and Governor Ji Bok-yeong, recipient of the 1990 Patriotic Medal.
On the last day, the 15th, Chef Lee Won-il personally cooked and introduced “Woogeoji Jangteo Gukbap” based on the story of Mrs. Kwak Nak, who won the 1992 Patriotic Medal, and is the mother of Kim Gu.
Also, during the event, there was a booth called “Table of Solidarity” where one could experience the traditional foods of 22 UN countries that participated in the Korean War, as well as food from local small- and medium-sized business owners using chives, a specialty of Hanam City, and dishes prepared by the National Participation Group, totaling about 140 different kinds of food.
This festival not only reflected on the meaning of veterans’ welfare but also aligned with Hanam City’s vision of a cultural city.
Mayor Lee Hyun-jae said in his opening remarks:
“Hanam is a city where you can enjoy culture in your daily life.”
“We have continuously held various events so that citizens can enjoy culture nearby, such as busking performances, Music in Hanam, and the Iseongsanseong Cultural Festival.”
He continued, “We are currently promoting the K-Star World project to create a large-scale K-POP performance hall and world-class studios in Misa Island (Misa Island),” and he emphasized, “We will do our best so that Hanam can leap forward as a K-culture hub city in the world.”
The Mayor concluded by saying, “Please pay much attention to the steps of Hanam, a city that is good to live in and a city that is leaping forward,” as he gave a warm greeting to citizens and visitors.
The 2025 Korea Memorial Food Festa continued at Misa Gyeongjeong Park through the 15th and provided citizens with a special experience of empathizing with history and veterans through food. It was a unique opportunity and exactly what one would hope to experience in a city of culture.
