By Greg Brummel
BUDAPEST, Hungary. The annual Montmartre Wine Harvest Festival in Paris, known for its celebration of viticulture, gastronomy, and culture, welcomed an unexpected star this year: Korean cuisine. Nestled in the heart of Paris, the festival has long been a beacon for food lovers and wine connoisseurs. However, this year, the inclusion of a Korean culinary pavilion left a lasting impression, drawing hundreds of enthusiastic visitors eager to explore new flavors and traditions.
A Festival of Fusion
The Montmartre Wine Harvest Festival, held every October, transforms the historic Montmartre district into a hub of sensory delight. The festival’s vibrant atmosphere is filled with the aromas of freshly baked bread, aged cheeses, and, of course, the region’s finest wines. This year, the introduction of Korean cuisine provided a unique fusion experience, blending the rich traditions of French wine making with the bold, flavorful palette of Korean dishes.
Culinary Delights
The Korean pavilion stood out not only for its colorful decorations and enticing aromas, but also for its traditional dishes. Each dish told a story of Korea’s culinary heritage. Among the dishes served to pilgrims were jeongya, a delicious braised chicken or beef dish, and bulgogi, a marinated and grilled meat dish. Both dishes were modeled after recipes from SooWoonJapBang, a 500-year-old cookbook considered a national treasure in Korea.
The pavilion also featured japche, stir-fried sweet potato starch noodles with vegetables and beef, and bulgogi, marinated grilled beef, which proved particularly popular with attendees.
Engaging Experiences
What set the Korean pavilion apart was not just the food but the immersive experiences it offered. Cooking demonstrations by renowned Korean chef, Kim Do-eun, drew large crowds, eager to learn the techniques behind their favorite dishes. These sessions provided insights into the importance of fermentation in Korean cuisine, particularly in the creation of staples like jeongya.
Cultural Exchange
The festival was not merely a showcase of food; it was a celebration of cultural exchange. The Korean pavilion featured traditional music that captivated audiences, transporting them to the streets of Seoul.Musicians played traditional instruments such as the gayageum and janggu, creating an authentic Korean ambiance in the heart of Paris.
Visitor Reactions
The response from festival-goers was overwhelmingly positive. Many visitors expressed their delight in discovering the bold flavors and unique textures of Korean cuisine. “I’ve never tried anything like this before. The flavors are so different but absolutely delicious,” said one attendee, savoring a bite of Bulgogi. Another visitor shared, “It’s amazing to learn about the fermentation process and how important it is in Korean cooking. I can’t wait to try making jeongya at home.”
The popularity of the Korean pavilion was evident as long queues formed throughout the festival. Despite the chilly October weather, the warmth and vibrancy of Korean cuisine drew people in, creating a buzz that reverberated throughout Montmartre.
Health Benefits and Global Appeal
Korean cuisine is not only delicious but also renowned for its health benefits. Rich in vegetables, fermented foods, and lean proteins, it offers a balanced diet that is both nutritious and satisfying. The inclusion of dishes like jeongya, known for its probiotic properties, and high bulgogi in protein and low in fat, highlighted the health-conscious aspect of Korean food. This resonated with many visitors, particularly those looking to explore healthier dining options.
The festival’s success in integrating Korean cuisine also underscored the global appeal of this culinary tradition. As more people become interested in diverse and healthful eating habits, Korean food has found a growing audience worldwide. The Montmartre Wine Harvest Festival provided an ideal platform for showcasing this cuisine to an international audience, further cementing its place on the global culinary map.
A Lasting Impact
The impact of the Korean pavilion at the Montmartre Wine Harvest Festival extends beyond just the event. It has sparked a newfound interest in Korean cuisine among Parisians and visitors alike. Local restaurants specializing in Korean food have reported an increase in patronage, and cooking schools have seen a surge in demand for classes on Korean cooking techniques.
For many, the festival served as an introduction to a cuisine that balances tradition and innovation, offering flavors that are both familiar and exotic. The success of the Korean pavilion has also encouraged the festival organizers to consider including more diverse culinary experiences in future editions, paving the way for a richer and more inclusive celebration.
Conclusion
The Montmartre Wine Harvest Festival in Paris is a testament to the power of food in bridging cultures and creating memorable experiences. This year, the introduction of Korean cuisine not only enriched the festival but also left hundreds of visitors wanting more. The fusion of Korean flavors with French winemaking traditions created a unique and unforgettable experience that resonated with all who attended.
As the festival continues to grow, the inclusion of diverse culinary traditions like Korean cuisine will undoubtedly enhance its appeal, making it a must-visit event for food lovers around the world. The story of this year’s festival is a celebration of culinary diversity and the joy of discovering new flavors, leaving a lasting impression on all who were fortunate enough to partake in this gastronomic adventure.
Brief History of Andong
Andong is a local authority that has been classified by UNESCO in three categories: World Heritage, Documentary Heritage and Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity, recognised for its universal and cultural values. It includes the village of Hahoe, the temple of Bongjeongsa, the Confucian academy of Dosanseowon, the Confucian academy of Byeongsanseowon and the Hahoe Byeolsin Gut mask dance.
The village of Hahoe is a traditional village representative of Korea, where the Ryu family has lived for over 600 years. Traditional performances such as the ‘Hahoe Byeolsingut mask dance’, enjoyed by the common people, and the ‘Hahoe Seonyu Julbul Nori’, enjoyed by scholars, are still preserved. The Bongjeongsa temple is the oldest wooden building in Korea. It has preserved and perpetuated Buddhist culture for more than 1,300 years and is one of the most elegant and traditional buildings in the country. Dosanseowon Confucian Academy was built to honour and commemorate the learning and virtues of Yi Hwang. It is divided into Dosanseodang and the entire Dosanseowon, decorated simply and modestly.
The Byeongsanseowon Confucian Academy contributed to the education of the local population, producing many scholars.
The beauty of the silvery sandy beach and the clear waters of the Nakdong River make it look like an Orientalist painting surrounded by screens.
Andong is a lively town with festivals throughout the year. In spring, there is the General Chajeon and Princess Noguk Festival, as well as the Andong Cherry Blossom Festival. In summer, the Su-festa and Wolyeong Night Trip. In autumn, the Andong Mask Dance Festival and in winter, the Amsan Ice Cream Festival.
Andong’s gastronomic treasures include ‘Andong Jjimdak’, a chicken dish simmered with a variety of vegetables and seasonings, ‘Salted Mackerel’, salted mackerel grilled or braised in a variety of ways, and ‘Andong Hanwoo (Beef)’, high-quality beef raised in a natural environment. There is also ‘Heotjesatbap’, a dish using ingredients similar to those used in ritual foods, even outside ancestral ritual celebrations.
Authoor:Greg Brummel is Budapest, Hungary based journalist.He writes about Culture,film and entertainment.
