Bangkok's Gaggan reclaims throne as best restaurant in Asia after 10 years

Mingles, Korea's only Michelin 3-star restaurant this year, lands 5th spot on Asia's 50 Best Restaurants Awards Gaggan, the renowned Bangkok restaurant, has been crowned the best restaurant in Asia at Asia’s 50 Best Restaurants 2025. The rankings of Asia’s 50 Best Restaurants are determined through a vote conducted by Asia’s 50 Best Restaurants Academy — a group of over 350 influential figures in the food industry, including chefs, restaurant operators, food journalists, critics and regional cul

March 26, 2025

Atelier K-pop conference explores future of K-pop and global collaborations

The Atelier K-pop Conference, held at the French Embassy in Seoul Monday, gathered music industry professionals from South Korea and France to explore the future of K-pop and the evolving global collaboration strategies of the music industry. The event was part of a larger music initiative, running until Saturday, co-organized by the French Embassy, the National Centre for Music (CNM), JYP Publishing and other key K-pop companies, including LEEWAY Music & Media. Under the theme of "Bridging Cult

March 25, 2025

Sundubujjigae, spicy delight

Sundubujjigae is a comforting and versatile Korean stew that offers a satisfying combination of soft tofu, or sundubu, savory pork and earthy oyster mushrooms. The dish can be customized to suit your spice tolerance, with the option to adjust the level of red chile pepper powder (gochugaru). The addition of eggs, cooked directly in the simmering broth, adds richness and texture to the dish, making for a perfect balance of flavors. While the recipe calls for soft tofu, feel free to substitute wit

March 23, 2025

Sujebi, comforting Korean hand-pulled noodle soup in savory anchovy broth

This sujebi recipe captures the comforting essence of Korean hand-pulled noodle soup, featuring a deeply flavorful anchovy broth and tender, chewy noodles. For best results, allow the dough to rest properly, as this enhances its elasticity, making for a more satisfying texture when cooked. Additionally, lightly toasting the dried anchovies before simmering them in water will yield a richer, more aromatic broth. Feel free to adjust the seasoning to taste, and don’t skip the accompanying sauce — i

March 23, 2025

Tteokbokki, beloved Korean street food

Tteokbokki is a beloved Korean street food, offering a perfect blend of chewy rice cakes, savory fish cakes and the bold, spicy-sweet flavors of gochujang sauce. This recipe captures the essence of this comforting dish with simple ingredients and easy-to-follow steps. For a richer taste, consider using an anchovy and kelp broth instead of plain water to deepen the umami. Feel free to adjust the spiciness level by adding extra gochugaru (red chili powder) or incorporating vegetables like onions,

March 23, 2025

Kimchijjigae, classic Korean kimchi stew

Kimchijjigae is a beloved comfort food in Korean cuisine, known for its spicy, tangy flavor that deepens as the kimchi ferments. This stew combines the bold taste of well-aged kimchi with tender pork belly and dubu, or tofu, creating a satisfying dish that’s perfect for warming up on a chilly day. The recipe can be easily adjusted to suit your taste — if you prefer a more intense flavor, you can let the stew simmer longer or add more kimchi. Feel free to experiment with the protein, as anchovy b

March 23, 2025

Big bags reclaim 'it' bag status

Oversized handbags have once again become the must-have accessory in the fashion world. Leading luxury brands have pioneered the trend, with spacious bags gaining popularity among influencers and celebrities. As A-list stars embrace the style, mainstream brands have followed suit, fueling the demand. Just a few years ago, micro-mini bags dominated fashion, barely fitting a smartphone or lipstick. However, large bags have made a strong return, driven by consumers’ growing need for practicality an

March 23, 2025

Korean barbecue restaurants loved by stars

In recent years, Korean barbecue has become a global phenomenon, with its sizzling sounds and smoky flavors captivating food lovers around the world. However, there are a few exceptional spots in Seoul that have attracted attention from local foodies as well as Korean celebrities. From Nariuijip in Hannam-dong to Namsan Makchang, these restaurants are proving that good food and a little bit of star power are the perfect ingredients for success. Nariuijip Located in the heart of Hannam-dong, Nari

March 22, 2025

Boarding houses: Then and now

Boarding houses, once considered a thing of the past, are making a comeback, offering affordability, safety and nostalgia for today’s university students In the past, out-of-town university first-years looking for housing often turned to boarding houses called "hasukjib" run by women typically around the same age as their parents. These homeowners would prepare breakfast and dinner for boarders, creating a communal space for students to gather and eat together. Before the school year began, boar

March 22, 2025

Packages and promotions

Sofitel Ambassador Seoul offers spring promotions with view Sofitel Ambassador Seoul celebrates cherry blossom season with exclusive promotions. The "Blooming Encounter" package includes a French lunch course with cherry blossom-themed dishes, such as crab and scallop roulade and grilled lobster tail, at the bistro Fait Maison. Guests can also indulge in cherry blossom desserts at Jardin d'Hiver, created in collaboration with French chocolatier Valrhona. At the rooftop bar Latitude32, three cher

March 21, 2025