Translation result
 |
| Photo: 2026 Korea Burger Championship |
[Sports Today reporter Kim Tae-hyung] Melting Soul, a craft-burger brand, kicked off the finals of the 2026 Korea Burger Championship (2026 KBC) on April 9 at the aT Center in Yangjae-dong, Seoul.
The finals were staged inside the 2026 Wellstory Food Festa, a major B2B food-and-beverage expo hosted by Samsung Welstory, drawing attention from both industry insiders and the general public.
The inaugural 2026 KBC attracted about 120 entrants—from big franchises to local gourmet burger shops—and had the industry buzzing long before doors opened. After fierce qualifying rounds in February, the top 10 teams, whose skills have clearly stepped up, took the stage to vie for the title of K-Burger champion.
The semifinal, held ahead of the final, pushed competitors to their limits. Four teams faced a brutal challenge: prepare 50 burgers in 90 minutes. A 100-member citizen jury judged each entry for its public appeal, and only two teams advanced to the grand final.
The grand final’s theme was “Korean Flavor.” The team that most skillfully blends Korean ingredients and techniques with global standards will earn the honor of representing Korea.
Melting Soul has previously secured a spot at the World Food Championships (WFC) by winning a domestic championship. This year, the brand stepped up as a mentor, using its expertise to guide emerging brands toward international stages. Organizers say the goal is bigger than a contest: it’s about elevating burgers from fast food to a recognized culinary craft.
“A burger is no longer just a meal—it’s a culinary expression that reflects a chef’s philosophy,” said Kim Kyung-hwa, CEO of Melting Soul. “By visually showcasing the intense cooking process and chefs’ dedication on the Food Festa stage, we hope craft burgers earn the recognition and respect they deserve. We want this event to be the launchpad for K-burgers going global.”
Kim Tae-woo, F&B director, and co-founder Chef Lee Won-il added, “We hope this competition becomes a new opportunity for the many burger brands that have weathered tough times. Through structured strategies, we’ll actively support their push onto the world stage.”
The winning team will take home KRW 10,000,000 (approximately $7,500) and the right to compete in the World Food Championships (WFC), the world’s largest food-sport event. Winners will also receive full overseas travel support worth about KRW 30,000,000 (approximately $22,500) and an opportunity to participate in a Japan Burger Championship (JBC) showcase.
[Sports Today reporter Kim Tae-hyung ent@stoo.com]
「Bringing you the closest, most fun news ⓒ Sports Today」
Most Commented