A seven-day Korean cultural extravaganza brings Michelin-calibre talent, street food, and beauty pop-ups to the heart of Hong Kong—all with zero admission.
When the Mid-Autumn Moon rises over Central on 21 September 2026, it won’t just be lanterns lighting up the skyline. Central Market will transform into a pulsating hub of Korean gastronomy, beauty, and performance as the K-Festival kicks off a full week of free programming. Organisers have confirmed that entry to all three floors of the event is complimentary, with the headline draw being live cooking demonstrations by three celebrated culinary figures from the hit Netflix series Black and White Chef.
A Culinary Line-Up Worth Crossing the Harbour For
The festival’s ground floor main stage will host a rotation of masterclasses and demonstrations from 21 to 27 September. Among the featured chefs is Monk Sunjae, a standout contestant from Black and White Chef Season 2 and a respected authority on Korean temple cuisine. His sessions will focus on nourishing, plant-based dishes rooted in centuries of monastic tradition—offering a rare glimpse into the meditative approach behind Buddhist cooking.
Joining him is Lim Hee-won, a Season 1 favourite known for deconstructing classic Korean flavours into bold, contemporary creations. Rounding out the trio is Park Joon-woo, runner-up of MasterChef Korea, whose signature style marries European technique with Korean ingredients. Each chef will conduct multiple demonstrations across the week, with limited spots available through Eventbrite registration.
“These aren’t just cooking shows—they’re a masterclass in how Korean cuisine is evolving while respecting its roots,” says a festival spokesperson.
More Than Food: K-Beauty, Live Music, and a Full Moon Party
The experience extends far beyond the kitchen. On the first floor, a dedicated K-Beauty zone will host pop-up booths from leading Korean skincare and cosmetics brands, offering personalised consultations and mini make-up workshops. Visitors can sample products, receive skin analyses, and learn about trending routines from K-beauty experts.
The second floor transforms into a food and lifestyle marketplace, featuring tasting stations and exclusive retail pop-ups. Notably, the Hyundai Food Group—a household name in South Korea for its premium frozen meal kits—will make its Hong Kong debut at the festival, offering ready-to-heat Korean classics for home cooks.
Live entertainment runs daily across all levels. The ground floor stage will feature K-Pop dance performances and cultural showcases, while Wednesday, Friday, and Saturday evenings bring guest mixologists from acclaimed local bars Barcode and C108 to shake up Korean-inspired cocktails.
The crown jewel of the festival is the Full Moon Party on Friday, 25 September, from 18:30 to 21:00. This special evening will include exclusive stage performances, traditional Chuseok (Korean Thanksgiving) food and drink pairings, and complimentary limited-edition gifts for early attendees.
Practical Information for Visitors
| Detail | Information |
|——–|————-|
| Dates | 21–27 September 2026 (2/F market opens 22 September) |
| Full Moon Party | 25 September, 18:30–21:00 |
| Location | Central Market, 93 Des Voeux Road Central, Hong Kong |
| Admission | Free (cooking workshops require advance registration on Eventbrite) |
Why This Matters for Hong Kong Food Lovers
The K-Festival arrives at a time when Korean culture has never been more accessible—or more popular—in Hong Kong. From the surge in K-drama tourism to the explosion of Korean fried chicken franchises, the city’s appetite for authentic experiences continues to grow. By centering the event around Black and White Chef personalities—already household names among foodies—the organisers are tapping into a proven formula: celebrity appeal combined with genuine culinary education.
What sets this festival apart is its deliberate layering of experiences. A visitor could spend an afternoon sampling temple food, learning about snail mucin serums, watching a K-Pop cover dance, and leaving with a bag of Hyundai meal kits—all without spending a dollar on entry.
“This isn’t just about eating or shopping,” explains a representative from the event’s planning team. “It’s about understanding how Korean traditions—from temple cooking to modern beauty rituals—connect. We want people to leave feeling like they’ve experienced a slice of Chuseok in the middle of Central.”
What to Do Next
If you’re planning to attend, register early for the cooking masterclasses via Eventbrite, as spaces are limited and demand is expected to be high. Arrive early on weekdays to avoid the largest crowds, and consider visiting on the weekend if you want to catch the Full Moon Party vibe without missing the daytime market.
For those keen to explore further, the festival’s proximity to other Central gems—like Tai Kwun and the PMQ—makes it an easy addition to a weekend itinerary. Pair your visit with a stroll through the nearby Soho dining strip or a cocktail at one of the guest bartenders’ home venues.
Mid-Autumn 2026 in Hong Kong will be illuminated by more than lanterns. Thanks to the K-Festival, it’ll also be seasoned with gochujang, scented with ginseng, and pulsing with K-Pop beats—all under one historic roof.