As temperatures in Seoul have dropped below freezing this week, the need for a hearty, warming dish has never been greater. One comforting option that locals swear by during the cold months is suyuk jeongol, a boiled beef hot pot that is both satisfying and perfect for braving the chill. If you're planning to indulge in this traditional Korean dish this weekend, here are two must-visit restaurants that offer their own delicious takes on suyuk jeongol. Neungdong Minari For anyone craving a classi

Lotteria to launch new burger with ‘Culinary Class Wars’ winner on Thursday As the new year begins, fast-food chains in Korea are introducing fresh flavors and menu items to delight customers' palates. Fast-food chain Lotteria is teaming up with Kwon Sung-joon -- better known as "Napoli Matfia," the winner of Netflix's "Culinary Class Wars," to unveil a new burger on Thursday. Known for his Neapolitan-inspired creations, Kwon is expected to bring an Italian twist to the collaboration project. Wh

Pop-up event at Starfield Suwon to be held through March 31 Fans of Netflix megahit "Culinary Class Wars" and gourmands who had trouble reserving a table at restaurants run by the chefs on the cooking reality show can now sample their dishes outside of their dining establishments. Riding high on the show's fame, Starfield Suwon in Suwon, Gyeonggi Province, just an hour from Seoul, is running a special food and beverage pop-up event dubbed "Bites Place Season 4" on the first floor of the shopping

Reservations can be made for some 500 restaurants in Tokyo, Kyoto, Osaka and Hokkaido through Korean app Looking to reserve a table at a popular restaurant in Japan? Now, reservations for some of the Japan's most sought-after dining experiences can be made through a Korean app. Wad, the developer of South Korean restaurant reservation platform Catch Table, said Tuesday it has partnered with GMO Omakase, a leading restaurant reservation service in Japan, to help Korean visitors explore the neighb

Tranquil stone-walled path in heart of Seoul lined with gamut of restaurants, bars and cafes Head to Seosulla-gil, a serene and idyllic stone-walled route in Jongno-gu in the heart of Seoul, where old meets new and you will see restaurants, bars and cafes next to jewelers and their workshops. While wandering around the path surrounded by lush greenery, stop by at Kaesung for a bowl of piping hot North Korean dumpling soup. As the name suggests, the restaurant serves food in the style of Kaesong

Celebrity chef to blend Korean, Western flavors on chain's menu Starting in the first quarter of next year, local fast-food chain Mom's Touch will launch burgers crafted by celebrity chef Edward Lee, known for his appearance on the Netflix competition “Culinary Class Wars.” According to Lee, his menu items for Mom's Touch includes signature recipes from his restaurant in the US. "I’m thrilled to bring the flavors of burgers and chicken, which I love, to the Korean audience through this partnersh

Seoul's Eulji-ro is renowned for its nostalgic, old-timey charm. Those visiting Fujiyama, however, head to the neighborhood for a unique dining experience that transports them right to Japan. With decor inspired by the mountain it's named after -- Fujiyama means Mount Fuji in Japanese -- this restaurant serves premium Japanese Wagyu beef prepared using the traditional “irori" grilling technique. Whether you're a fan of fine meats or simply seeking a cozy, atmospheric dining experience, Fujiyama

The year 2024 was a big year for food aficionados here, as new flavors and ingredients came into the spotlight to keep menus exciting. Among them was chestnut tiramisu, a dessert made from convenience store ingredients by black spoon chef Napoli Matfia, the eventual winner, on the eighth episode of Netflix's megahit cooking competition "Culinary Class War." Convenience store chain CU started stocking its shelves with the tiramisu dessert on Oct. 24. Even before its official release, the item bec

If you’re a fan of glass noodles, japchae is a must-try. This dish showcases chewy glass noodles mingled with tender strips of beef and a vibrant medley of vegetables, including carrots, spinach, onions and mushrooms. Often a staple at birthday celebrations and traditional holidays like Seollal and Chuseok, japchae holds a special place in the hearts of many. While many might mistakenly consider japchae a main dish, it is traditionally served as a banchan, or side dish, in Korea, meant to be enj

Searching for a summer dessert? Korea‘s traditional go-to is patbingsu, a shaved ice treat perfect for cooling you down. The finely shaved ice serves as the foundation, and it traditionally comes topped with sweetened red beans. You can customize this dessert with an array of other toppings, including chewy rice cakes, colorful jellies, and fresh fruit. A drizzle of condensed milk adds an extra layer of sweetness, and in recent years, many places have begun crafting the shaved ice from milk for

A Korean birthday isn’t complete without miyeokguk — a comforting seaweed soup. Traditionally prepared with a mild beef or seafood broth, this nourishing soup features miyeok (seaweed) and becomes richer when simmered for an extended period. It is also thought to aid in postpartum recovery and promote breast milk production, making it a common choice for new mothers. Despite its celebratory associations, some Koreans avoid consuming miyeokguk on exam days, as its slippery texture is thought to b

If you find yourself craving a warm, soothing soup after a night out in Korea, gamjatang might be just what you need. Many gamjatang restaurants stay open late or operate around the clock to cater to late-night diners. A common misconception is that the main ingredient in gamjatang is potato; however, the name actually refers to the pork backbone, which is the star of the dish. Potatoes do make a significant appearance in this dish, though. This hearty soup is packed with flavor and often includ

Don’t let the appearance of myeolchi bokkeum, a dish made from anchovies — heads included — deter you. This side dish is characterized by a delightful combination of sweet and savory flavors and offers a satisfying crunch that’s hard to resist. Often enhanced with nuts and dried fruits, it serves as a nutritious banchan, or side dish, rich in calcium that is commonly prepared by Korean mothers for their children. Adults also enjoy it paired with a drink, making it an ideal choice for light snack

At first glance, seonjitguk — literally “cow blood soup” — might raise eyebrows. However, if you can look past the name and the initial sight of blood curds, you’ll find a surprisingly comforting dish. The key ingredient, seonji, consists of tender cubes of cooked and solidified blood, which add a unique depth to the flavor. The broth is gently simmered with ox bones, enhancing its richness, and is complemented by shredded napa cabbage. Often hailed as a Korean hangover remedy, this nourishing s

At first glance, chueotang might not seem remarkable, especially when made with blended loach. However, this dish is highly regarded for boosting energy thanks to the fish’s vigorous swimming. Some people prefer the soup with whole loach for the texture, while others enjoy a smoother version with blended fish. For beginners, it‘s usually a good idea to start with the latter. The addition of perilla powder creates a thick, nutty base, complemented by the savory depth of soybean paste. Chopped chi