Getting a delightful taste of exotic Korean cuisine
The Discover Korea Festival at University College Cork two weeks ago was a vibrant celebration of Korean culture, cuisine, and community, hosted by the university’s Korean Society and supported by the Korean Embassy.
The event brought together students, faculty, and guests, including the Korean Ambassador, to experience the rich traditions and flavours of Korea in an immersive setting that included lectures on the Japanese invasion of Korea and the vice chairperson of the society who spoke about her time living in Korea.
One of the festival’s highlights was undoubtedly the food. Attendees were treated to a delicious spread provided by Ogam Korean, a local company specializing in Korean cuisine, and Jago, a Dublin-based kimchi producer.
The savoury beef bulgogi from Ogam was a particular crowd-pleaser, its marinated, grilled beef bursting with deep, umami-rich flavours. The crisp and tangy kimchi from Jago added the perfect balance to the meal, showcasing one of Korea’s most iconic dishes. Little honey biscuits were also handed out, and their delicate sweetness left me longing for the recipe—something I am now determined to track down.
In addition to the catered delights, Korean teacher Hyemi Kim prepared a special traditional treat: O-bang tteok. These sweet rice cakes, generously filled with walnuts, pumpkin seeds, jujubes, and almonds, were a revelation. Their soft, chewy texture contrasted beautifully with the nuts and seeds, and the subtle sweetness made them utterly irresistible. It was a true showcase of the delicate yet complex flavours that define Korean confectionery.
Beyond the food, the event was an opportunity to delve deeper into Korean culture.
I had the pleasure of interviewing Ms So Yeon Lim, the First Secretary & Consul at the Korean Embassy. When asked what she wished Irish people knew about Korea, she responded with a heartfelt sentiment: “the Korean warm heart”. She drew a beautiful parallel between the Irish and Korean people, highlighting their shared warmth and welcoming nature.
Curious about her experience with Irish cuisine, I asked what she had tried so far. She admitted that she had only had the chance to sample a pie and fish and chips but found both to be delightful.
Our conversation then turned to the availability of Korean ingredients in Ireland. To my surprise, she expressed how relatively easy it was to find Korean staples, thanks to a fantastic Korean supermarket in Dublin. However, she noted that sourcing more unusual vegetables remained a challenge.
The discussion naturally led to agriculture, and I was surprised to find out why fruit is often expensive in Korea. Ms Lim explained that 70% of South Korea’s terrain is mountainous, making large-scale farming difficult. As a result, much of the country's fruit has to be imported, leading to higher prices.
It was fascinating to learn how geography shapes food culture in such a fundamental way. Leaving the festival, I felt invigorated by the experience and eager to continue exploring Korean culture—especially its cuisine.
From the sizzling beef bulgogi to the delightful O-bang tteok, the event was a delicious gateway into a culinary world I am excited to uncover further.
And if I can get my hands on that honey biscuit recipe, all the better!
The embassy is organising and supporting several Korean cultural events throughout the year – a cookery competition is coming up this summer. Follow the embassy on Facebook and Instagram for updates. Thank you to Josh Hanover of the Korean Society for sending on photos by Emer Neville.