President Lee Hosts Foreign Envoys for K-Food Banquet at Cheong Wa Dae

President Lee Jae Myung hosted a dinner for foreign ambassadors and heads of international organizations stationed in Seoul on Tuesday, treating them to iconic Korean dishes from Korean-style barbecue to the famous pairing of fried chicken and cold beer. The event took place at the Nokjiwon garden inside the Cheong Wa Dae compound, according to the presidential office.

The dinner brought together envoys and representatives from a number of countries and international bodies, including the United States, Japan and the European Union, the presidential office said. Reports provide differing figures on attendance; one account cites 118 countries and 30 international bodies, while another mentions 112 countries and 18 international bodies. A separate report published before the event indicated that ambassadors from 118 countries with embassies in South Korea were invited, along with around 30 international organization chiefs.

The dinner was organized as an occasion for Lee to brief the foreign envoys on South Korea's foreign policy and its recent diplomatic outcomes. Lee returned last week from the Group of Seven (G7) advanced nations' summit in France.

"The Republic of Korea participated in the G7 summit for the second consecutive year and is cementing its position as a reliable partner to the international community," Lee told the guests, referring to South Korea by its official name. "We will continue to work closely with the international community based on the shared values of humankind -- freedom, peace and prosperity," he said.

Lee also thanked the diplomatic corps for their roles as a bridge between South Korea and their home countries, saying he would be willing to hear their thoughts on issues they would like to address.

The participants were served a curated menu of Korean culinary staples, from sizzling pork belly, or "samgyeopsal," to the now globally famous "chimaek," the crispy fried chicken and beer combo. All ingredients on the meal were halal-certified, and options for vegans and vegetarians were also provided, Cheong Wa Dae said.

The dinner banquet reflected the Lee administration's efforts toward practical exchanges with foreign partners, according to the presidential office.

Moroccan Ambassador to South Korea Chafik Rachadi, who also serves as the dean of the diplomatic corps, toasted to the friendship between South Korea and the international community, Cheong Wa Dae said. The ambassadors described South Korea's remarkable transformation into an industrialized democracy as an example that resonates with many countries around the world, reaffirming their commitment to further developing ties.

In a separate report ahead of the event, the presidential office said the head table would include the Moroccan ambassador, as well as envoys from the United States, Japan, the Philippines, New Zealand, Mongolia, China, the European Union, the Vatican and Chile. Seating arrangements were made in consideration of regional representation, as well as countries that the president has visited or plans to visit this year.

The dinner was also part of Lee's efforts to outline his foreign policy direction in the second year of his five-year term, which began June 4, 2025.