Restauranter Steven Lee says the demand for Korean food is “booming” across the city, prompting him to create an event that brings east Asian culture to Adelaide’s West End.
Mr Lee – Plus 82 Group Director – will host the Hongdae in Adelaide street party on 7 September, supported by the Adelaide Economic Development Agency (AEDA) and City of Adelaide’s Commercial Events and Festivals Sponsorship Program.
The Plus 82 Group owns Plus 82 Pocha on Gre, Plus 82 GoGi on Eliza Street and Plus 82 Lite in Gawler Place.
The event, on Eliza Street, features Korean street food, games, gifts and performances to create an event that mirrors the bustling suburb of Hongdae.
“Our plan is to create a street food style event that is a representation of everything good about the Korean street life ... we can see there is a boom of interest in Korean cusine,” Mr Lee says.
“In collaboration with many other local businesses, we aim to create an experience (where)... people do not have to fly to South Korea to enjoy the vibes.
Food available will draw from the group’s menus, with highlights including Korean Fried Chicken, Tteokbokki and Kimchi Pancakes.
There will also be Wagyu Beef from Mayura station, a whole pig spit from Boston Bay Pork, Korean desserts from 3 Labs Bake House, and Korean grocery from Together Mart.
Following the increase in the number of Korean eateries that have opened in Adelaide in the past year, Mr Lee saw an opportunity to build on the desire for the country’s culture and create the event.
“We hope (the event) will grow and expand ... (and contribute to) the growing Korean food wave in Australia. We hope to be the pioneers for that in Adelaide,” he says.
Mr Lee applied for funding within the Adelaide Economic Development Agency’s Commercial Events & Festivals Sponsorship Program.
The program aims to assist in the staging of small-, medium- and large-scale events that create a vibrant and dynamic city. It aims to drive visitation, boost expenditure, support local businesses, and increase the profile of the city and North Adelaide as tourist destinations.
Mr Lee says working with AEDA has been an enjoyable experience.
“The communication has been really good and very clear,” Mr Lee says.
“It’s also a great way for small businesses to put on events and get experience running them.”
Hongdae in Adelaide is on 7 September at Eliza Place, Adelaide, from 11am-11pm. Entry: Free, with all profits donated to the Women's and Children's Foundation.
Want to learn more?
Keep an eye on AEDA’s Events & Festivals Funding Opportunities page for more opportunities.