-
Star chefs' creations inspired by Jeju paired with wine at Jeju Food & Wine Festival
SEOGWIPO, Jeju Island -- With more than three weeks of culinary programming still underway, the 10th Jeju Food & Wine Festival is drawing crowds as it celebrates a decade of promoting the island’s local flavors. The nonprofit cultural event, co-hosted by the Korea Food & Wine Festival and Cheju Halla University, runs until June 15 at Jeju Shinhwa World in Seogwipo, Jeju Island, and features a full slate of live cooking demos, gourmet tastings, and wine and art showcases — all spotlighting Jeju’s
May 19, 2025 -
Haemok brings taste of Nagoya and Busan coast to Seoul’s Seochon
From the outside, Haemok’s Seochon location could be mistaken for a stark architectural experiment — a subdued concrete structure. But step through its doors, and a transformation unfolds. The atmosphere shifts to a cozy interior reminiscent of a Japanese countryside home. Warm yellow lighting bathes the wooden interior, where the long, communal tables immediately put diners at ease. A central courtyard, or "jungjeong," draws in natural light, giving the dining space an expansive feel. Two floor
May 17, 2025 -
Star chefs bring their signature dishes to Jeju
SEOGWIPO, JEJU-- A select group of culinary stars brought bold flavors and personal stories to life at the 10th Jeju Food & Wine Festival’s “Master Chef Class,” held as part of the island’s growing campaign to establish itself as a global culinary tourism hub. The Jeju Food & Wine Festival, a nonprofit cultural initiative hosted by Korea Food & Wine Festival and Cheju Halla University, celebrates Jeju’s pristine local ingredients and unique food culture. This year, it featured "Master Chef Class
May 15, 2025 -
'Cheong:' The hidden secret behind Korean food
Syrup is a common pantry staple in many countries, typically drizzled over foods like pancakes, waffles, crepes and other baked goods, or even on top of ice cream. The sweet liquid is also used in other culinary applications, such as glazes and desserts. But in Korean cuisine, syrup plays an essential role. Though often used as a replacement for sugar, adding a sweet and fruity flavour, it can also add acidity or umami to dishes depending on the ingredients used. 'Cheong:' Next big thing in culi
May 10, 2025 -
Unique drink pairings you need to try
During the extra long weekend that stretches into Tuesday, sharing drinks with friends and loved ones can be the perfect way to unplug and celebrate a short break from work and life's daily stress. Following are some drink mash-ups worth a try for those wishing for a taste of something they may have never expected to find in a drink before. The unexpected marriage of soju and iced tea is a unique drinking trend among South Korean millennials and Generation Z — roughly those in the early 40s and
May 5, 2025 -
Temple cuisine: Meal away from distraction or desire
In a city celebrated for its bold, spicy street food and electric culinary energy, Balwoo Gongyang offers something different: a meal of silence, simplicity and spiritual depth. Located directly across from the historic Jogyesa Temple in southeastern Seoul, Balwoo Gongyang is the only temple food specialty restaurant in South Korea operated by the Cultural Corps of Korean Buddhism — and it serves Korean temple food refined over centuries. “Balwoo Gongyang” is the name of a traditional Korean Bud
May 4, 2025 -
Cozy grill, sweet pudding and urban circus
For this weekend, check out a neighborhood Japanese yakitori restaurant, a pudding cafe and a circus festival — all in Seoul's central neighborhoods. Few things are as comforting as a simple meal paired with a cold drink after a long day. For those seeking a relaxed yet satisfying dining experience, the Japanese yakitori restaurant, Toriaejeu, in Jung-gu, Seoul, offers a warm retreat just 80 meters from Yaksu Station. With its understated wooden interiors and the savory aroma of grilled skewers
May 2, 2025 -
ISS astronaut Jonny Kim turns NASA rations into Korean-inspired burger in space
NASA astronaut Jonny Kim, the first Korean American to serve on a long-duration mission aboard the International Space Station, is drawing attention for adding a personal and cultural twist to space food — by making a burger with Korean gochujang. Kim posted photos on social media this week showing a floating burger made from standard NASA rations: beef steak, wheat snack bread, cheese spread and potatoes au gratin. The key ingredient was a generous squeeze of gochujang, a spicy Korean red peppe
May 1, 2025 -
The many ways Koreans cook up canned tuna
Among the kitchen staples in South Korea are "jang," fermented soybean-based pastes and sauces, used in virtually all Korean dishes. Another Korean pantry staple might come as a surprise: canned tuna. There is a lot to say about the humble budget-friendly canned tuna, typically just a couple bucks at supermarkets here. It is tasty, simple and, most importantly, versatile — meaning it goes with a whole lot more than just a spoonful of mayonnaise. Here is how Koreans give canned tuna — or "chamchi
April 26, 2025 -
NAE:UM offers Korean fine dining in heart of Singapore
SINGAPORE -- Tucked along a vibrant street lined with restaurants and bars in the heart of Singapore, NAE:UM quietly asserts itself as a symbol of Korean culinary evolution. Since its 2021 debut, the fine-dining restaurant has won accolades including a Michelin Star and the Michelin Guide Singapore’s 2022 Young Chef Award for its chef, Louis Han. Named after the Korean word for a “fragrance that evokes memories,” NAE:UM reflects Han’s vision -- to craft dishes that stir the past while embracing
April 19, 2025 -
Brewing heritage: How Korea’s traditional alcohol is finding new life
Once overshadowed by mainstream choices like soju and beer, traditional Korean alcohol has experienced a resurgence since the early 2020s. The market for traditional drinks in Korea grew from 62.7 billion won ($43.8 million) in 2020 to 147.5 billion won in 2023, and the trend appears to be continuing, with major department stores reporting double-digit on-year increases in their traditional alcohol sales in 2024. This rapid growth is largely driven by younger generations seeking flavors beyond t
April 19, 2025 -
Stylish escape with coffee in Gangnam
Gangnam, the Seoul district synonymous with luxury and modern charm, is also a hot spot for exceptional cafes. While it may lack the indie vibe of other neighborhoods in the capital like Hongdae, Gangnam boasts a unique blend of upscale and trendy spots, each offering distinct coffee and dessert experiences. Following is a curated selection of must-visit cafes in the area. Triode 649 Yeoksam-dong, Gangnam-gu, Seoul Open daily from 11 a.m. to 10 p.m Nestled in vibrant Gangnam, Triode is a hidden
April 17, 2025 -
Happy marriage of fresh minari and chewy pork belly
Minari, in season right now, adds refreshing touch to all-time favorite samgyeopsal Minari is not just the winner of the Golden Globe for best foreign language film and the winner of best supporting actress award at the Academy Awards in 2021. While the film "Minari" may have introduced the vegetable to audiences worldwide, not many people know that the herb heralds the first days of spring in South Korea. Minari is a long-stemmed, leafy green vegetable that bears a physical resemblance to parsl
April 12, 2025 -
Breathe, sip and spoon: 3 spots to recharge this weekend
If life gives you berries, try going for an acai bowl filled with fruit and your favorite toppings. Every weekend, a large crowd usually spills into the streets of Apgujeong Rodeo, a popular neighborhood in the posh Gangnam district of southern Seoul, which boasts streets full of luxury brands, curated shops and fine dining restaurants. In a small alley there, you can also find a dessert shop called A-ha Dosan that offers a frozen acai bowl with oats, honey, strawberries, bananas and choco loops
April 11, 2025 -
Myeon Seoul, Michelin-starred take on Korean noodles
Tucked away in the bustling area of Apgujeong, Myeon Seoul, the second restaurant by Michelin-starred chef Kim Do-yun, is redefining noodle craftsmanship with its commitment to high-quality ingredients and traditional flavors. Following the success of Yun Seoul, Kim's first venture, Myeon Seoul was born out of customer demand for a separate, dedicated space to showcase his housemade noodles. The menu centers on handmade noodles crafted from whole wheat, mung bean and dried pollack, entirely free
April 5, 2025