Korea Corner at Auburn University successfully concluded its Korean Cuisine 101 program, a three-week cultural and culinary series that began on April 29, 2026 and was held over three consecutive Wednesdays. The program was designed to provide community members with a meaningful introduction to Korean food culture through a structured journey of learning, hands-on experience, and real-world application.
The program opened with an engaging lecture session led by Food Scientist and Assistant Professor Dr. Sungeun Cho. Participants explored the scientific and cultural foundations of Korean cuisine, with a particular focus on jang, the essential fermented base of Korean cooking. This session provided important context for understanding the depth and history of Korea’s culinary traditions.
Building on this foundation, the second session took place in Auburn University’s culinary science lab, where participants engaged in a hands-on cooking class in a professional learning environment. Participants prepared traditional Korean dishes such as bibimbap and japchae, gaining practical experience in Korean cooking techniques and learning how ingredients and flavors come together.
The final session extended learning beyond the classroom into real-life cultural experiences. Participants visited a local Korean restaurant, GoGiJip, where they experienced Korean BBQ culture and the traditional “grill-on-the-table” dining style, while also learning about Korean dining etiquette. In addition, participants visited a Korean market, where they explored authentic ingredients and everyday Korean food products with the support of Korean community volunteers.
By connecting lecture-based learning, hands-on cooking, and immersive cultural experiences, Korean Cuisine 101 provided participants with a comprehensive understanding of Korean food culture. The program successfully bridged knowledge and practice, allowing participants to experience Korean cuisine not only in the classroom, but also in real-life cultural settings.
Post-program survey results showed overwhelmingly positive feedback, with a 100% satisfaction rate, highlighting the program’s strong impact and meaningful engagement.
