Star chefs collaborate for 'Taste of Seoul 2023'

The Seoul Metropolitan Government is hosting “Taste of Seoul 2023,” a weeklong event that runs through Friday, featuring a variety of culinary events and programs. As part of its efforts to promote Seoul's dining scene, the city government published “100 Taste of Seoul 2023," a guidebook in Korean and English in early September. The book lists 100 distinctive restaurants and bars in Seoul alone. It also introduces an additional 50 vegan-friendly dining locations. The

Sept. 18, 2023

[Coffee Klatch] Time travel to 1920s cafe scene at Coffee Hanyakbang

There are many places in Seoul where history stays alive. With a focus on retaining the original structure and exterior, the former gas stations, public baths or shuttered banks and schools grab attention for their unique mood and satisfy a thirst for new temporal and spatial experiences. Walk down an old narrow alley between the skyscrapers of Euljiro in central Seoul and one may encounter a hospital from the Joseon era, known as Hyeminseo. Heo Jun, a Korean physician who was also the chief phy

Sept. 16, 2023

Nibble on royal sweet treats at Gyeongbokgung

Savor delicacies enjoyed by Korean kings and queens at Gyeongbokgung in central Seoul. Organized by the Korea Cultural Heritage Foundation, the "Gyeongbokgung Saenggwabang" program brings to life palace desserts and tea as documented in the "Veritable Records of the Joseon Dynasty" from the Joseon era (1392-1910). "Saenggwabang," located in the royal kitchen known as "sojubang," was a dedicated space for making desserts and snacks for royals. Stepping ins

Sept. 15, 2023

[Around the hotels] Promotions and packages

Sheraton Grand Incheon Hotel offers gift packages for Chuseok Sheraton Grand Incheon Hotel has prepared gift packages for the Korean Thanksgiving holiday known as Chuseok. The premium set consists of six apple mangos, a melon and a bunch of shine muscat for 280,000 won. The hotel’s premium wine selections are also available at prices starting from 70,000 won. The “special hamper” includes international ingredients and snacks for 230,000 won. For more information, call (032) 8

Sept. 15, 2023

Experience Swedish fine dining inside a Korean hanok

Nestled among the narrow streets of Seoul's traditional Samcheong-dong neighborhood, amidst the royal palace and galleries, a hidden culinary gem awaits in the setting of a Korean hanok. Mangata, a relatively recent addition to Seoul's dining scene, seamlessly blends Swedish fine dining with the rustic charm of traditional Korean architecture. The word "Mangata" itself has a poetic meaning in Swedish, signifying the road-like reflection cast by the moon on water. Since its

Sept. 9, 2023

[Around the hotels] Promotions and packages

L'Escape Hotel launches ‘Fall in Alberta, Canada: Tasteful Journey’ L’Escape Hotel offers the “Fall in Alberta, Canada: Tasteful Journey” package through Oct. 9. The package includes one-night's stay with dinner for two at the hotel’s restaurant, Palais de Chine. The menu at Palais de Chine consists of barbecue beef ribs, beef dim sum and cucumber salad with garlic sauce, using ingredients from western Canada province Alberta. The package prices st

Sept. 8, 2023

[Coffee Klatch] Indulge in buttery croissants and decadent coffees at Teddy Beurre House

Yongridangil is a trendy street near Yongsan Station that is well-known among food lovers for its abundance of exotic eateries and atmospheric cafes. Tucked away in a corner of Yongridangil are two stores run by chef Kim Hoon -- Sam Sam Sam, an American homestyle eatery, and Teddy Beurre House, a European-style bakery -- both of which have quickly made a name for themselves in Seoul's food scene. Chef Kim chose a teddy bear and a croissant as the main concept of Teddy Beurre House to appe

Sept. 2, 2023

[Around the hotels] Promotions and packages

Four Seasons Hotel Seoul to present Thai culinary experience Four Seasons Hotel Seoul’s restaurant, The Market Kitchen, is to host a culinary event in celebration of the 65th anniversary of diplomatic ties between South Korea and Thailand. Thailand’s perennial favorites -- som tam (green papaya salad), tod mun goong (deep-fried shrimp) and tom yum goong (spicy and sour soup) -- will be served from Sept. 8 to 17. Complementing the dining experience, a variety of Thai beverages includi

Sept. 1, 2023

Embark on stylish vegan culinary journey

In the heart of Korea's culinary landscape, a gradual but steady transformation is taking place—one that extends beyond the palates of the vegan community. The Korean vegan dining scene, once confined to niche corners, is blossoming into a culinary culture. What was once seen as a mere substitute has now evolved into an exciting tasting journey that beckons not only vegans but food enthusiasts from all walks of life. Standing at the vanguard of this paradigm shift is "Jumjumjumju

Aug. 26, 2023

[Around the hotels] Promotions and packages

Westin Josun Seoul showcases ‘Local Delights’ Westin Josun Seoul showcases its "Local Delights" package for the autumn season. The package offers one night's stay along with handmade traditional desserts. The Autumn Road Book, a guidebook that introduces sightseeing attractions in Seoul, will also be provided. The promotion runs through Nov. 30, with prices starting from 340,000 won. For enquiries, call (02) 317-0404. Grand Josun Jeju offers ‘Autumn Voyage&rsq

Aug. 25, 2023

Traditional liquors win hearts of millennials, Gen Z

South Koreans are known for their unmatched love for alcohol, whether soju, beer, or both at the same time. But among younger drinkers, a different type of liquor is trending -- traditional Korean liquor. "Makgeolli (unfiltered rice wine) and other traditional liquor used to have an outdated image," said Park Ja-hye, a 31-year-old office worker in Seoul. "But now those liquors are sold in cans and bottles with modern and beautiful labels. They are now a popular gift," she add

Aug. 21, 2023

[Coffee Klatch] Ongozisin offers blended tea, coffee and dessert experience in Korean way

“Ongojishin,” a Korean idiom meaning “learn from the old to know the new,” also applies to the burgeoning coffee scene here. The cafe trend here was once dominated by sleek, trendy cafes that offered a decent cup of joe, something that’s not too watery or not too burnt. Now more cafes are creating their own, unique tastes and offering a whole new cafe experience by incorporating with Korea’s traditional taste and culture. Ongozisin is one example, offering ble

Aug. 19, 2023

[Around the hotels] Promotions and packages

Grand Hyatt Seoul offers ‘1+1 Stay’ promotion Grand Hyatt Seoul has unveiled its “1+1 Stay” promotion, targeting the upcoming long weekend at the end of September into October for the Korean Thanksgiving holiday, Chuseok, and National Foundation Day. The promotion covers a two-night stay for the price of one night’s stay in rooms with a backdrop of beautiful Namsan Mountain. Reservations are available from Aug. 16 to 18. Be sure to check in between Sept. 23 to Oct.

Aug. 19, 2023

Sip of summer delight: Korean fruit punch and more

The scorching summer sun easily leaves us feeling drained, and hesitant to venture outside at all. But during the hot season, the Korean dessert scene undergoes a captivating transformation, with a symphony of fruits boasting sweet and refreshing flavors. Among an array of delightful summer treats, one particular gem stands out for not only its ability to quickly quench thirst, but also for its simple preparation: hwachae. Hwachae is a a rejuvenating drink that is prepared by combining an assort

Aug. 12, 2023

[Around the hotels] Promotions and packages

Four Points by Sheraton Josun presents special offer Four Points by Sheraton Josun presents a special offer at its Seoul Station and Myeong-dong branches. The hotel’s Seoul Station branch offers one night’s stay in a deluxe room with a breakfast for two and tickets for Hangang Park’s outdoor swimming pool for 166,000 won ($126). At the Myeong-dong branch, a one-night stay in a superior room and two CGV movie tickets are available for 154,000 won. For inquiries and reservation

Aug. 11, 2023

[Coffee Klatch] Step into hidden leafy haven in Ikseon-dong

The neighborhood of Ikseon-dong in Jongno-gu, Seoul, offers a unique mood that is both very Korean and exotic, stemming from the mix of sleek interior inside the low-rise decades-old hanok buildings. In one of the Ikseon-dong alleys stands Cheongsudang Bakery, the perfect place to linger over your Americano. Cheongsudang’s calm and peaceful gardenlike interior makes visitors' cafe experience all the more rewarding. A stepping stone pathway, surrounded by bamboo trees with artfully hun

Aug. 5, 2023

[Herald Interview] Singaporean chef cooks up Japanese European cuisine with Korean flair

Popular chefs today often venture beyond their home turf, organizing pop-ups and tasting events in foreign cities to connect with new diners and seek future business opportunities. However, Singaporean chef Javier Low, 31, is taking a boldly different approach Javier arrived in Seoul on Sunday with a team of five from his restaurant Iru Den, known for its exquisite modern Japanese French cuisine. Javier's primary motive for the trip was to connect with Korean diners and learn from their fee

Aug. 5, 2023

[Around the hotels] Promotions and packages

Grand Josun Busan offers promotion package for kids Grand Josun Busan is promoting a special package centered on experiences for children. The package offers a one-night stay in a themed room, with a choice of forest, sea and sky themes. Child-friendly amenities such as bathrobes, slippers and bath sets are included. The package features Haribo-themed merchandise including a water bottle, a two-tier lunchbox, a thermal bag and a storage box. The package is available through Aug. 31 with prices

Aug. 4, 2023

[Herald Interview] Neapolitan pizza champion says key is in the dough

Yu Jun-hwan, the 40-year-old owner-chef of Pizzeria del Popolo in Goyang, Gyeonggi Province, had no idea that he would achieve the prestigious title of this year's world champion for crafting the finest Neapolitan pizza. On June 21, a day after competing in the 2023 Trofeo Caputo against some 500 contestants from 22 countries, he received an unexpected text from the organizers declaring him the winner. The text came through just as his plane touched down back in Korea. Opened in 2016, Pizze

July 29, 2023

[Around the hotels] Promotions and packages

Grand Hyatt Seoul presents outdoor dining promotion Grand Hyatt Seoul's outdoor restaurant Pooolside Barbeque is offering Peruvian dishes in celebration of the 70th anniversary of diplomatic ties between South Korea and Peru. Poloa A La Brasa, or Peruvian-style roasted chicken, and barbecued pork are among the dishes available. The dining promotion will be available through Oct. 3, priced at 138,000 won ($108) for adults and 69,000 won for kids. For inquiries, call (02) 799-8495. La M

July 28, 2023