Attention is turning to the dinner menu for the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) summit in Gyeongju on the 31st. A leaders' dinner goes beyond a simple meal; as the highest level of protocol event, it is the "Highlight" of the diplomatic stage where political messages are exchanged. A series of predictions about the dinner menu is ensuing.
According to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and others on the 29th, Edward Lee, known for the Netflix variety show "Culinary Class Wars," will serve as executive chef for the leaders' dinner, partnering with Lotte Hotel Seoul to set the table. Fusion dishes that blend traditional Korean cuisine with a modern touch are expected to be presented. In a recent interview with the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Edward Lee said, "I will show the beauty of traditional Korean food as it is, and in an innovative way."
Hints can be gleaned from the dinner menu at the chief executive officer (CEO) summit held the previous day and the menu served at the luncheon for President Lee Jae-myung and U.S. President Donald Trump at their summit that day. The CEO summit dinner offered traditional Korean dishes using regional specialties such as Gyeongju premium Korean beef, known as hanwoo, and East Sea abalone, as well as food and beverages from diverse cultures including halal and vegan options. For dessert, snacks symbolizing Gyeongju such as Gyeongju Hwangnam bread and Cheomseongdae chocolates were prepared.
The Korea-U.S. summit luncheon began with an appetizer dressed with Thousand Island dressing, symbolizing the success story in New York, Trump's hometown. Thousand Island is a sauce named after a region in northern New York state. It was a diplomatic gesture of hospitality meant to offer flavors familiar to President Trump.
In addition, rice cooked with newly harvested Gyeongju rice, seasonal ingredients from across the country, and regional specialties were served as a three-course Korean meal. The luncheon concluded with a golden-hued dessert wishing for the heyday of the Korea-U.S. alliance and for peace. An industry official said, "Gold symbolizes prosperity, unity, and peace, so a gold or white dessert on a diplomatic table signifies a successful relationship and a bright future."
Gyeongju is a city that embraces both mountains and the sea. For this reason, it is highly likely that Gyeongju specialties will appear on the table at the leaders' dinner as well. The regional brand "Cheonnyeon Hanwoo" is being prominently mentioned. Cheonnyeon Hanwoo is a brand developed by the Gyeongju Livestock Cooperative in 2006, with about 2,000 farms managing more than 40,000 head of cattle. In a 2022 blind test by a major retailer, it ranked first among 11 premium Korean beef, known as hanwoo, brands. It is known for its tender texture and deep umami.
Considering the precedent of beef neobiani being served as the main dish at the 2005 APEC summit in Busan, it is highly likely that a dish such as galbi or grilled cuts using premium Korean beef, known as hanwoo, will be served this time as well. Top-quality beef tenderloin steak is, in fact, a staple on state dinner menus in many countries.
Seafood such as flounder and abalone from the East Sea coast are also in the running. An industry official said, "Abalone symbolizes longevity and prosperity," adding, "If abalone appears at the leaders' dinner, it could be interpreted as a diplomatic message to share sustainable prosperity and peace."
Given chef Edward Lee's tendencies, there is also a possibility that the APEC leaders' dinner will feature dishes using Korean jang (fermented sauces). In multiple interviews, he has said, "The essence of Korean food comes from jang," and "Doenjang and ganjang are the ingredients that best express Korean identity." At the 2023 White House Korea-U.S. state dinner, he used a glaze combining gochujang and soy sauce with pine nut paste in the main galbijjim sauce, marrying American cooking methods with Korean flavors. For this dinner as well, it is possible that jang will be paired with Gyeongju ingredients to enhance flavor, or that a sauce made with pine nuts, doenjang, and aged soy sauce will be incorporated into the main dish.
For the dinner drinks, the regional spirits "Gyodong Beopju" and "Andong Soju" are being discussed. Gyodong Beopju is a traditional clear rice wine handed down in the Gyodong area of Gyeongju, maintaining the samyangju (three-stage brewing) method designated an Important Intangible Cultural Property in 1986. It is known for its subtle sweetness and clarity, and because it uses no artificial additives, it is called "saengju" (raw wine). Andong Soju is a distilled soju designated an Important Intangible Cultural Property in 1987, said to have been a royal tribute in the Joseon era. Despite an alcohol content around 40%, it retains the grain's sweetness and the aroma of nuruk (fermentation starter).
Some suggest that Chinese liquors such as baijiu (baekju) or wine from Hebei could be served as aperitifs in part. The idea could carry symbolic meaning as President Xi Jinping is set to take over the next APEC chairmanship. There is also speculation that wine may appear on the table. An industry official said, "Because wine has symbolism that transcends nationality, it would also be possible to use Korean wine for the toast."