BTS: Beyond the Seoul
Event Date:
Nov. 8, 2026
Event Time:
Cocktail Reception at 5:00 P.M.
Dinner at 6:00 P.M.
Location:
Halekulani
Experience an evening where heritage, innovation, and global influence converge at the Hawaii Food & Wine Festival’s annual Halekulani Gala. This year, BTS: Beyond the Soul invites guests to explore the evolution of Korean cuisine—where deep-rooted traditions meet modern culinary artistry in an extraordinary expression of culture, craft, and creativity.
Five world-class chefs—among the most celebrated voices in contemporary Korean gastronomy—present a five-course wine-paired dinner that explores the foundations of hansik through a refined, modern lens. Rooted in centuries-old traditions of fermentation, seasonality, and balance, each course reflects the philosophies that have shaped Korean cuisine, while showcasing the innovation that has propelled it onto the world stage.
Paired with a curated selection of ultra-luxury wines, every course is a study in precision and harmony—thoughtfully composed, technically masterful, and deeply expressive. From the quiet depth of aged flavors to the vibrant energy of modern interpretation, the evening unfolds as a journey beyond the plate—into the soul of a cuisine defined by both tradition and transformation.
Join us for an unforgettable night that honors heritage, celebrates culinary excellence, and brings the spirit of Korea to life through a truly world-class dining experience. See below for more information:
MORE INFORMATION
- Seated, five-course wine-paired dinner
- Cocktail reception is outdoors, dinner is indoors
- Cocktail attire, jacket optional
November 8, 2026
Cocktail Reception at 5:00 P.M.
Dinner at 6:00 P.M.
Halekulani
Attire: Cocktail Attire, Jacket Optional
Outdoors/Indoors
IMPORTANT INFORMATION:
21 YEARS OF AGE AND OLDER
- No one under the age of 21, including children in strollers accompanied by their parents, will be admitted to Festival events, unless noted otherwise.
ABOUT THE EVENT
- Ticket includes all food and drinks at event, and inclusive of taxes, fees and gratuity.
- All sales are final. All events, prices, performances, venues, dates and times are subject to change without notice.
- Please refer to FAQ for more information.
EAT, DRINK & STAY THE NIGHT

Halekulani is offering special room rates for HFWF attendees. Click HERE to book. Reservations and room rates are subject to availability.
SUPPORT HFWF
Hawaii Food & Wine Festival is a program of the 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization, the Hawaii Ag & Culinary Alliance. All proceeds from the Sixteenth Annual Hawaii Food & Wine Festival benefit local aina-based and community organizations which support culinary and agricultural education, sustainability, and cultural programs in Hawaii.
If you are unable to attend an event, please consider making a donation HERE.
PARTICIPATING TALENT
Chefs

Junsoo Bae
SSAL - San Francisco, CA

Gwang-sik Jeon
Bicena - Seoul, South Korea

Alex Kim
Five Sails Restaurant | Glowbal Restaurant Group - Vancouver, Canada

Eunji Lee
Lysée - New York, NY

Christian Testa
Halekulani - Honolulu, HI

Jungsik Yim
Jungsik - New York, NY






