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Sharing is Caring: When Food Does the Talking

Sharing is Caring: When Food Does the Talking

October 19, 2025
Community members serving food from diverse cultural dishes at Friends of Korea potluck buffet table
Community members serving food from diverse cultural dishes at Friends of Korea potluck buffet table
On a crisp October afternoon at the Gedenkstätte Riehen, our 23 members and friends showed up with food, and a community gathering unfolded. There was no agenda, just dishes from many homes and conversations that crossed languages and cultures.

From Swiss fondue to Korean japchae, from Italian parmigiana to homemade desserts, the table reflected what Friends of Korea stands for: openness, curiosity, and connection.
From japchae to parmigiana, each dish carried a story — shared freely among friends and neighbors.
From japchae to parmigiana, each dish carried a story — shared freely among friends and neighbors.

What We’re Building

Children played, new friendships formed, and familiar faces reconnected. Members who’d first met at earlier Friends of Korea events—an AI Knowledge Exchange here, an Art Basel visit there—picked up conversations as naturally as old friends. Around the fondue pot, laughter erupted over competing cheese-pulling techniques. Recipe requests circulated. And gradually, the gathering shifted to something more organic: community in its simplest form.

Between conversations, children turned the garden into a playground.
Between conversations, children turned the garden into a playground.

Throughout 2025, Friends of Korea has brought together professionals, culture enthusiasts, and people passionate about Korean-Swiss exchange through AI Knlowedge Exchange, Kimjang Kimchi workshop, and networking and cultural events. And moments like this potluck also show why real connection doesn’t always need structure. But it needs people who care. And we are proud of what our community is building together.

Conversations continued where they left off — this time over shared plates and new tastes.
Conversations continued where they left off over shared plates and new tastes.

Looking Ahead

As we prepare for 2026, we’ll continue building spaces for exchange. Sometimes through a panel, sometimes through a shared meal. To everyone who joined and showed up: thank you for being part of Friends of Korea!

Swiss and Korean families gathered for communal fondue meal
Swiss and Korean families gathered for the fondue meal