Members of the Corea Image Communication Institute (CICI) pose during the organization's monthly CQ Forum at the residence of European Union Ambassador to Korea Maria Castillo Fernandez in Seoul, Tuesday. Courtesy of CICI

The Corea Image Communication Institute (CICI) hosted renowned restaurateur Vivian Han at its monthly CQ Forum Tuesday, where she spoke about her efforts to promote Korean cuisine as a form of diplomacy.

CICI, a nonprofit organization dedicated to strengthening Korea's global presence, hosts the monthly forum, with "CQ" standing for culture and creativity quotient.

Han, 58, is a leading figure in modern Korean cuisine and CEO of Congdu, a restaurant with three locations across Seoul. CICI invited her to speak at the forum as she is "a Korean food expert dedicated to spreading the excellence of Korean cuisine."

Han gained national recognition in 2017 when she was invited by Cheong Wa Dae, Korea's presidential office at the time, to oversee the state banquet for U.S. President Donald Trump during his visit to Korea under the Moon Jae-in administration.

At the forum, she shared the behind-the-scenes story of preparing that high-profile dinner and her broader philosophy on using Korean food to engage with the world.

Among her illustrious career, one of Han's most memorable experiences was planning Trump's 2017 state banquet — an assignment she received just 10 days before the event. Reflecting on the geopolitical tensions at the time, with North Korea escalating provocations, she recalled that Cheong Wa Dae had given her two clear directives.

"Cheong Wa Dae instructed me that, first, the meal needed to convey the message that war must not happen, and second, it had to suit President Trump's palate," Han said.

To align with the banquet's theme, "We Go Together," Han curated a menu featuring signature ingredients from different regions across Korea. She also arranged a symbolic gift for Trump — a traditional "sujeo" set, which includes a spoon and a pair of chopsticks, representing the strong alliance between Korea and the U.S.

"Many Asian countries use both a spoon and chopsticks, but Korea is the only country where people frequently alternate between the two during meals," Han said. "I thought this fit perfectly with the 'We Go Together' concept."

Congdu CEO Vivian Han, left, lectures as a featured speaker of the Corea Image Communication Institute's (CICI) monthly CQ Forum, held at the residence of European Union Ambassador to Korea Maria Castillo Fernandez in Seoul, Tuesday. Courtesy of CICI

Congdu's mission

Han explained that her restaurant's name "Congdu" merges "kong," the Korean word for soybean, and "du," a phonetic rendering of the Chinese character for beans. The restaurant's logo features "jangdokdae" — traditional earthenware jars used to ferment Korea's signature soybean pastes.

"Fermented pastes are the essence of Korean cuisine," Han said. Her restaurant, she added, is the result of years of deep reflection on the question: "What is Korean food?"

Now, she is dedicated to sharing her answer with the world. When introducing Korean cuisine abroad, Han focuses on five key elements: health, history, culture, harmony and eco-friendliness.

These principles are embedded in her diverse culinary projects, which span from state banquets and standing buffets to receptions and even food trucks — there is no type of food event she hasn't explored in her mission to spread Korean cuisine.

European Union Ambassador to Korea Maria Castillo Fernandez, left, presents a gift to speaker Vivian Han at the Corea Image Communication Institute's (CICI) monthly CQ Forum, held at the ambassador's residence in Seongbuk District, Seoul, Tuesday. Courtesy of CICI

Beyond banquet planning, Han continues to showcase the uniqueness of Korean cuisine through creative methods. The use of Korean-themed tableware, the incorporation of temple cuisine's humble spirit, storytelling menus inspired by Korean folktales, hands-on cooking classes and menu boards featuring traditional calligraphy and folding screens are all part of Han's efforts to globally promote Korean cuisine.

This month's CQ Forum was held at the residence of Maria Castillo Fernandez, the European Union ambassador to Korea, in Seongbuk District, Seoul, with ambassadors from different countries, corporate directors and CEOs all gathered to support CICI's global mission.

Castillo thanked Han for her presentation, emphasizing the role of food in diplomacy.

"Through food, we communicate a lot. Culture and emotions come together and that's exactly what diplomacy does," the ambassador said.

"During my time in Korea, I've seen how people use food to preserve their culture and traditions. I believe Korea should continue working hard to promote this beautiful culinary heritage, and I'm sure this forum is one of many efforts to introduce Korean food to the world."