Lee Kum Kee cooking competition opens entries for new creator category

Global sauce brand Lee Kum Kee is accepting applications for a newly created "Creator" category at its annual cooking competition, marking the event's 20th anniversary. The application deadline is Nov. 25.

The Lee Kum Kee Cooking Competition is organized by Lee Kum Kee and sponsored by Ottogi. It is divided into a "University" category for students enrolled in culinary programs at domestic universities and a "Pro" category for professional chefs.

The new Creator category, introduced to mark this year's 20th anniversary, is open to anyone who produces cooking content on personal social channels such as Instagram, YouTube or a blog. The theme is "My signature recipe for the 20th anniversary of the Lee Kum Kee Cooking Competition," and entrants must develop a dish using at least two Lee Kum Kee sauces. Those wishing to participate must complete an online application by Nov. 25 and submit their recipe and a photo of the finished dish by email.

Preliminary judging will evaluate entries on use of Lee Kum Kee sauces (30 points), overall quality (30 points), plating (20 points) and originality (20 points), with 12 finalists selected in total. Individual notifications will be sent to finalists on Nov. 27.

The Creator category final will be held alongside the University category final on Dec. 13 at Bucheon University. Chef Yeo Kyung-rae — a master of Korean-Chinese cuisine and culinary adviser to Lee Kum Kee — will serve on the judging panel alongside other culinary experts.

The champion will receive 500,000 won ($373) in prize money and a four-day, three-night trip to Hong Kong. Gold, silver and bronze prize winners — one each — will also receive Hong Kong trip packages along with prize money of 300,000 won, 200,000 won and 100,000 won, respectively. The top four finishers in the Creator category will join 12 Pro category winners and Chef Yeo on a Hong Kong study trip running from Jan. 12 to 15, 2027. Popularity award and encouragement award recipients will receive Lee Kum Kee product sets and other prizes.