On 25 February, the room where NANRO NEXT was held had a heat to it. Cooks, researchers, gourmands and people who spend their time thinking about the future of Hansik came together in one place. This was more than an event — it was a room for building the "next step" of Hansik toward a sustainable future. What do we need, right now, to keep Hansik's golden time going?
Hansik's golden time won't carry itself.
The word "Hansik" no longer feels unfamiliar in the global gastronomic landscape of the Michelin Guide and The World's 50 Best Restaurants. But if you think this happened on its own, you're mistaken. This was made possible by countless cooks and by people who love Hansik. To keep the current going, investment in the next generation is essential. Without raising the people who will carry Hansik forward, today's peak may end up as no more than a passing fashion.
NANRO NEXT: thinking about Hansik's tomorrow.
Out of exactly that concern came NANRO NEXT. The event was designed to support young chefs who will carry Hansik's tomorrow, and to help Hansik go on standing as sustainable value on the global stage. Not just a gathering — a place that offers real opportunities to the next generation of talent, and a space to think together about the future of the Hansik industry.
This year's NANRO NEXT brought together a mix of people who love Hansik. Experts across fields discussed where Hansik stands now and where it's going, and attendees took part in an auction to support the next generation of Hansik talent. Auction items donated for the occasion found new owners through active bidding, and the proceeds are earmarked for support of Hansik's tomorrow.
Women's leadership lights up the future of Hansik.
What gave this year's event particular meaning is that women chefs and women leaders across fields anchored it, foregrounding women's leadership in the Hansik industry. To move Hansik forward, a range of perspectives and experiences need to combine — and the role of women is becoming steadily more important. NANRO NEXT was an important first step in shaping that change.
As we said at the start — Hansik's golden time is now. But keeping the current going will take more support and more work. NANRO NEXT will keep growing alongside the people thinking about the future of Hansik, extending both the collaborations and the deeper conversations. So that today's motion doesn't stay a one-off and becomes lasting change — so that Hansik's golden time does not come to a stop.
