Korean walnut cake conquers diners at APEC Summit Week

Korea's traditional walnut cake (Hodu-gwaja) became the culinary highlight at the 2025 Asia- Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) Summit in Gyeongju City, when it was chosen as the official dessert served to guests throughout the series of high-level events.

The APEC Preparatory Committee said that Fresh Gourmet's Boochang Jegwa walnut biscuit brand has been selected to be introduced at important meetings of APEC 2025 such as the APEC Senior Officials' Meeting (CSOM), the APEC Foreign and Trade Meeting (AMM), and the APEC Economic Leaders' Meeting and Business Summit.

At the K-Food promotion area in the Gyeongju International Convention Center (HICO), walnut cakes are baked on the spot, giving off a sweet aroma, inviting diners to enjoy them for free.

During the summit week, the area around the conference center is cordoned off, reserved for international delegations, journalists and conference staff only.

Hodu-gwaja - small walnut-shaped cakes - have a crust made from wheat flour mixed with crushed walnuts, covering a soft red bean paste filling. The mildly sweet, fatty and fragrant taste of the cake has made this dish a street food icon, easily found at rest stops, walking streets or night markets all over Korea.

To serve APEC diners, Fresh Gourmet has adjusted the traditional recipe, reduced the sweetness and created new filling versions such as custard cream or matcha. Notably, the brand also launched the limited edition "APEC Summit Limited Edition," in collaboration with the cultural brand MU:DS of the National Museum of Korea. This special product quickly "sold out" within a few hours of its launch.

Ms. Kim Hee Ju - Sales Director of Fresh Gourmet - said that the Boochang Jegwa brand originated from a local traditional bakery that was once very famous but had been lost since the 1990s. Recently, the brand was revived with the spirit of "preserving the old spirit - creating new things", aiming to bring "Korean Walnut Cake - Global Flavor" to the world.

According to Ms. Kim, Korean cuisine is becoming increasingly popular with international tourists. During APEC meetings, many international delegation leaders and businessmen enjoyed walnut cakes during coffee breaks.

The company's message is that this small dessert not only offers a taste experience but also conveys Korean warmth and culture to diners./.

(TTXVN/Vietnam+)

Source: https://www.vietnamplus.vn/mon-banh-oc-cho-han-quoc-chinh-phuc-thuc-khach-tai-tuan-le-cap-cao-apec-post1074258.vnp