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 "Makgeolli (unfiltered rice wine) and other traditional liquor used to have an outdated image," said Park Ja-hye, a 31-year-old office worker in Seoul.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

Try these irresistible, flavorful gelatos in Seoul

The dense, rich taste of Italian gelato offers a slightly different kind of frozen dessert experience than regular ice cream. Gelato, the Italian word for "frozen," has a higher proportion of milk and lower proportions of cream and eggs than regular ice cream. Some kinds do not include eggs at all. Although it shares a similar custard base to ice cream, gelato is normally churned at a much slower rate, incorporating less air and becoming denser than ice cream. It has lower fat content

July 22, 2023

[Around the Hotels] Promotions and packages

Moxy Seoul Myeongdong launches highball promotions Moxy Seoul Myeondong, located in central Seoul, presents special highballs for the summer season at its Bar Moxy. Colored in crimson red, the Campari Red Highball delivers a taste of Italian aperitivo culture, which also fits well with the bar's dishes. The Glen Grant 10-Year Highball, made with a high-end single malt whiskey and carbonated water, resembles a golden flower. The promotion also includes the American Honey Highball and the Wil

July 21, 2023

Indulge in fresh fruit your way

As the summer season sets in, there's nothing quite like the simple pleasure of savoring fresh fruit under the warm sun. Whether you are immersing yourself in vibrant city life, hopping to festivals and cultural events, or simply enjoying a relaxing time at the beach, fruit can quench your thirst and save you from reaching for sugary snacks between meals. Not only are summer fruits tasty delights, they also provide essential nutrients, such as vitamins, minerals and powerful antioxidants. T

July 15, 2023

[Around the Hotels] Promotions and packages

Fairmont Ambassador Seoul unveils summer eel course menu Gallery 7 at Fairmont Ambassador Seoul presents a summer lunch and dinner course menu featuring the traditional seasonal delicacy of eel, through Aug. 10. The four-course menu has been created by hotel chefs using seasonal ingredients. Chawanmushi -- a Japanese-style egg custard dish -- with lobster is followed by a fresh seasonal sashimi selection. The main course features cool soba noodles and eel over rice. The meal ends with dessert

July 14, 2023

[Coffee Klatch] 1970s public bathhouse now hip cafe-cultural complex in Sangdo-dong

Sangdo-dong, a neighborhood of Dongjak-gu in Seoul, is a mostly quiet residential area with a mix of apartment complexes, houses and schools. It is not known as a cool or Instagrammable area, that's for sure. Amid such an ordinary area, a three-story red brick building located just a five-minute walk from Sangdo Station on Subway Line No. 7, stands out. It’s Bugangtang, or "Bugang public bathhouse" in Korean, which transformed into a bakery cafe last year. “The buildin

July 8, 2023

[Around the Hotels] Promotions and packages

Josun Hotels & Resorts presents summer promotions Josun Hotels & Resorts is presenting promotions celebrating the summer season at its Seoul, Busan and Jeju properties. Westin Josun Seoul offers two champagne promotions with side dishes: Champagne Tribaut with French fries, and Champagne Duval-Leroy with seafood dishes. Westin Josun Busan showcases gourmet dishes featuring healthy seafood, while Grand Josun Jeju is holding a saxophone and vocal music concert every Friday and Saturday fro

July 7, 2023

Michelin star chef harmonizes French cuisine with Korean flair

A series of gala dinner events offering guests a unique opportunity to savor French modern cuisine by a three-Michelin-starred chef from France are being held through Saturday at JW Marriott hotels in Seoul and Jeju Island. Led by chef Pascal Barbot and his two sous chefs, the culinary experience promises a creative journey featuring a seven-course menu complemented by five wine pairings. Barbot opened his restaurant Astrance in Paris in July 2000. Within a remarkably short span of less than a d

July 1, 2023

[Herald Interview] Louis Pere & Fils hopes to cement presence in Korea

Louis Max-Starkman, the sixth-generation chairman of Louis Pere & Fils to succeed the family's winery business, said he takes prides in Louis Pere & Fils’ unique method of wine production, which he described as a combination of tradition and modern transformation. Established in 1859 in Beaune, a small town in the center of the French winemaking Burgundy region, Louis Pere & Fils follows just one rule, according to Max-Starkman. “We have focused on producing high qua

July 1, 2023

[Well-curated] Horror nights at BIFAN's free outdoor screenings and more

Knot tying at hanok on a rainy day Donglim Knot Workshop, a small hanok situated just a five-minute stroll away from Anguk Station and near the Bukchon Hanok village, showcases the traditional art of Korean knot tying called "maedeup." This enchanting space, led by Shim Young-mi, who hails from a family with a four-generation legacy in Korean knot craftsmanship, has been in operation since 2004. The workshop proudly displays a wide array of ornamental knots passed down through generati

June 30, 2023

[Around the Hotels] Promotions and packages

Four Seasons Hotel Seoul offers special promotion at Yu Yuan Four Seasons Hotel Seoul's Chinese restaurant Yu Yuan has been given the Best of Award of Excellence at the 2023 Wine Spectator Restaurant Awards. To commemorate the achievement, Yu Yuan invites guests to indulge in a wine and culinary experience until July 31. A selection of 370 wines, expertly paired with diverse flavors of Chongqing cuisine, will be available. The limited-time menu includes sweet shrimp maraban, fiery deep-frie

June 30, 2023