Poster for global hansik symposium Nanro Insight / Courtesy of Nanro Foundation

Nanro Foundation, a nonprofit organization headed by chef Choi Jung-yoon, invites the world's top chefs and experts from various industries to Seoul for Nanro Insight, a two-day global symposium on Korean food, or "hansik."

During the event, titled "The Future of Gastronomy: Hansik," to be held at Leeum Museum of Art in central Seoul's Yongsan District on April 29 and 30, Peruvian chef Virgilio Martinez of Central and Spanish chef Oriol Castro of Disfrutar, two acclaimed chefs crowned first and second places respectively on the 2023 World's 50 Best Restaurants list, will share their stories of innovative gastronomic journeys.

Simon Kim, CEO of COTE, a Michelin-starred Korean restaurant in New York, Song Jung-hun, founder of Korean BBQ food truck Cupbop franchise in the U.S., and Kim Jong-soon, CEO of JS Holdings who runs Korean restaurant YORI in the U.K., will reveal their secrets to success and discuss what is needed to put hansik on the map.

Along with the symposium, the foundation will also organize some private events including the Nanro Heritage Tour session where chefs Martinez and Castro will experience Korean fermentation culture with "jang" (a variety of fermented soybean condiments) master Ki Soon-do and Buddhist nun and chef Jeong Kwan.

Inspired by the "Nanrohoe," which originates from gatherings of scholars in the late Joseon Kingdom (1392-1910), who would gather around a brazier at night to enjoy food and engage in discussions, the namesake community was launched in 2022. It has grown into a leading domestic Korean food industry gathering, where experts from various industries, including Korean chefs, restaurant owners, food, traditional liquor, finance, IT, branding, media, art and music professionals come together to study Korean culinary culture and discuss industry development. To date, over 40 gatherings have been held with approximately 300 participants.