▲ This undated Yonhap file photo shows the "NS Food Festa 2026 Iksan" hosted by Iksan City in North Jeolla Province. (Yonhap)

 

SEOUL, July 24 (Yonhap) -- Iksan City in North Jeolla Province announced Friday it is accepting entries for the cooking competition to be held during "NS Food Festa 2026 Iksan" on Oct. 16-17 at Harim First Kitchen.

 

The competition, one of the country's largest culinary contests, will offer total prize money of about 100 million won (US$72,000) and will be divided into general and family categories.

 

The general category is open to two-person teams with no eligibility restrictions. Applications will be accepted from July 27 through Aug. 23.

 

The family category is open to teams consisting of one parent and one elementary school student, with applications beginning Aug. 27.

 

A total of 60 teams from each category will advance to the finals.

 

Finalists in the general category will compete by creating meal kits using fresh natural ingredients, while family teams will prepare lunch boxes made with fresh natural ingredients.

 

For inquiries, applicants can contact the event organizers by email at nsfoodfesta2026@naver.com or by phone at +82-2-574-1753.

 

Jung Kwang-rye, head of Iksan City's Food Culture and Sanitation Division, said NS Food Festa is "a meaningful festival that promotes the excellence of Korean ingredients and encourages a creative food culture."

 

"We will make it a leading food festival that can be enjoyed by participants, residents and visitors from across the country," she said.

[ⓒ K-VIBE. 무단전재-재배포 금지]