[Korean Flavors] Chef Son Jong-won creates innovative, wholesome Korean fine dining experience

Stepping into the lavish interior of Eatanic Garden, a contemporary Korean fine dining restaurant located on the 36th floor of Josun Palace Hotel in the middle of Gangnam, Seoul, one is hit by the exotic mood and energy of the place. Traditionally, hotels have been at the center of gourmet experiences. Many of the restaurants listed in the Michelin guide around the world are located in hotels. That is, hotels have, for many, come to symbolize a place that guarantees a once-in-a-lifetime gourmet

Feb. 11, 2023

[Weekender] ‘Come grab coffee by the sea in Busan’

BUSAN -- South Korea’s southeastern port city of Busan is a popular holiday destination for those seeking to enjoy quality seafood and relax at the beach. But in recent years, tourists have been flocking to the city to get a taste of something different -- coffee. Global coffee competition winners are opening up cafes in Busan, with a shared goal of transforming the city into the next coffee hub like the Australian city of Melbourne. At the forefront of the movement is barista Jeon Joo-ye

Feb. 11, 2023

[Temple to Table] Gim jangajji and Gamjajorim

The secular world uses meat flavored stock to make food more savory, but at temples, vegetable stock is an indispensable ingredient. To make vegetable stock, most temples boil white radish, shiitake mushrooms and kelp. However, kelp is not used at Jinkwansa. Ginger is also a common ingredient in Jinkwansa's wintertime temple food. In addition to its warm energy that helps the body maintain heat and aid digestion, its distinctive scent enhances the flavor and removes the undesirable smell of

Feb. 11, 2023

[Around the Hotels] Promotions and packages

Andaz Seoul Gangnam presents ‘Romance at Andaz’ package Andaz Seoul Gangnam offers staycation package named, "Romance at Andaz," available throughout the year. Package includes one-night accommodation at the hotel's suite, featuring Andaz' signature comfortable bedding and bath bomb set from La Cuvee Maison. Breakfast for two at Jogakbo, sparkling wine, cake and a bath bomb set are included in the package. Complimentary minibar and access to fitness center and ind

Feb. 10, 2023

Nourishing traditions for Jeongwol Daeboreum

On the day of the first full moon of the lunar calendar, which falls on the 15th day of the new year according to the lunar calendar, Koreans celebrate Jeongwol Daeboreum. The history of Jeongwol Daeboreum dates back to the Three Kingdoms period. With traditional food and drinks shared among families and neighbors on this festive day, people send their wishes for a healthy and fruitful new year to the first full moon. Special days mean special dishes. On Daeboreum, ogokbap (rice mixed with fiv

Feb. 4, 2023

[Around the Hotels] Promotions and packages

Four Seasons Hotel Seoul presents special dim sum brunch Four Seasons Hotel Seoul's authentic Cantonese Chinese restaurant, "Yu Yuan," presents "Weekend Champagne and Dim Sum Brunch," starting Saturday. Yu Yuan's special brunch features Hong Kong's unique food culture, yamcha, which means to enjoy a variety of food including dim sum, with tea for breakfast and lunch, with friends and family. All dishes are prepared by dim sum chef Jia Wen Li, who has more than

Feb. 3, 2023

Simple namul cooking tips

Koreans traditionally harvested fresh vegetables in the summer to be dried and stored for the winter months. On Daeboreum, the dried vegetables are prepared as namul. Nine different types of namul are enjoyed on Daeboreum, including fernbrake, thistle, radish leaves, green pumpkin, eggplant and castor beans. The type of namul served can vary by region. These days, people keep the tradition of having namul, but try to make it simple, by having two or three different types instead of all nine namu

Feb. 3, 2023

[Korean Flavors] Onjium updates traditional dishes using seasonal ingredients

Every Monday at Onjium, a restaurant next to Gyeongbokgung Palace where the seasonal menus are inspired by Joseon-period royal cuisine, the hallways and kitchen counters are filled with fresh vegetables and special ingredients that have been flown in from around the country. “For our seasonal winter menu, we are going to use pheasant from Goryeong in North Gyeongsang Province,” said Onjium Restaurant Head Chef Park Sung-bae. “I still visit the market every week, such as Noryang

Jan. 28, 2023

[Around the Hotels] Promotions and packages

JW Marriott Hotel Seoul presents seasonal delicacies JW Marriott Hotel Seoul's buffet restaurant, Flavors, presents a series of gourmet journeys through Feb. 28. The restaurant serves a buffet of seasonal seafood dishes in Western, Chinese, Korean and Japanese styles, including scallops and pen shells, clam stew, deep-fried oysters, braised rockfish, tuna tataki and seafood soup. The dessert selection features 10 creations made with seasonal strawberries. The Lounge at the hotel’s eig

Jan. 27, 2023

From octopus to shark meat, Seollal foods by region

Traditionally, Seollal mornings begin with paying reverence to ancestors through charye, a traditional rite. A variety of home-cooked dishes prepared days ahead are set out, incense burning, and each family member takes time to pay their respects. Although charye is very structured with a particular way of placing the plates, the food served on the table differs by region. The geographical and cultural characteristics of each region are mirrored on the charye table. Gyeonggi Province Distant

Jan. 22, 2023

Indulge in nostalgia with old-fashioned snacks

Although ways of spending the Lunar New Year in Korea have evolved significantly in the past decades, being with family and friends over good food remains unchanged. After the day's feast, munching on bags of traditional snacks can bring back old memories for adults, while triggering the curiosity of youngsters. What are known as traditional snacks today are mostly of Japanese origin and were introduced to the country during the colonial period. Over time, these snacks changed in shape and

Jan. 22, 2023

[Around the Hotels] Promotions and packages

Vista Walkerhill Seoul offers 'Holiday Getaway' package Vista Walkerhill Seoul offers a Lunar New Year's package that includes outdoor activities with family and friends. For the "Holiday Getaway" package, guests can participate in the "Walkee" program, which includes festive games to celebrate the new year. Traditional games such as yutnori, gulleongsoe and jegichagi can be enjoyed in groups during the day, assisted by hotel staff. Special fortune cookie gift

Jan. 21, 2023

[Temple to Table] Winter food at Jinkwansa: Ground black soybean stew

Jinkwansa’s temple food brings to mind pristine dew on a lotus petal, and its purity is the result of the efforts of Ven. Gyeho. Her words radiate warm-hearted energy. “Look at these marvelous beans! They are black soybeans (seoritae) that grew on Ganghwa Island exposed to the sea winds. We soak them in water, remove the skin carefully, and grind them in a hand mill like this," she said. While turning the handle of the mill, Gyeho’s face lit up with joy. Perhaps she was pr

Jan. 21, 2023

Raid the fridge for fast and easy home meal

After a long day at work or a tiring day outside, there is nothing like a homemade meal to comfort and heal you. The bad news is you open the fridge only to find nothing to eat. The good news is staples like eggs and frozen dumplings can save you. Using minimal ingredients sometimes prove that whipping up a delicious, filling meal doesn't need to be difficult. The Korea Herald spoke to some Koreans about their favorite quick meals to make, accompanied by recipes from YouTube channel One mea

Jan. 14, 2023

[Around the Hotels] Promotions and packages

JW Marriott Hotel Seoul presents dim sum and small bites The Lounge at JW Marriott Hotel Seoul has reinvented its signature dim sum and small bites menu. Authentic Hong Kong-style dim sum highlights include chewy prawn har gau and black pork siu mai. The dim sum menu is accompanied by a selection of small bites. The highlights include tree ears with black vinegar, lychee and prawn balls and lotus leaf sticky rice. A la carte dishes are priced between 18,000 won and 60,000 won, while set menus, f

Jan. 13, 2023

'Dangerous' winter temptation: blowfish

Blowfish, also known as puffer fish, is undeniably one of the top winter delicacies. The clean, light taste of the fish meat with its unique chewy texture stands out among other types of edible fish. Rich in essential amino acid taurine, blowfish is known to help with blood circulation and warm up the body. It does not contain neutral fat, which can help with weight loss and protects healthy skin. The blowfish skin has abundant selenium, a source studied to have anti-cancer effects. Called "

Jan. 7, 2023

[Temple to Table] Jangkalguksu, Korean spicy noodle soup

Nestled in the foothills of Bukhansan Mountain and run by Buddhist nuns, Jinkwansa Temple exudes a classical grace. Dignified and elegant, the temple compound radiates a tranquil beauty. Its large jangdokdae (earthenware crock stand) is filled with orderly rows of crocks holding traditional Korean sauces. To attain its current status, the temple had to overcome many challenges. Although it was established during the Goryeo era, most of its buildings burned down during the Korean War. The temple

Jan. 7, 2023

Pop-up exhibit features bread, wine and more

Wine lovers looking to try some hard-to-find wines in Seoul can pay a visit to the Corner Gallery, located in Samcheong-dong. A pop-up exhibition titled "Wine Divine at Corner's 5th Avenue" invites visitors to the world of wine produced in the village of "Chateauneuf-du-Pape," the Rhone region of southeastern France. Translated as "The Pope's new castle," the region has a long history of several popes spending their summers during the Middle Ages. Stepping

Jan. 6, 2023

[Around the Hotels] Promotions and packages

JW Marriott Hotel launches gourmet vegan options Cafe One at JW Marriott Hotel Seoul introduces its new vegan burger and sandwich. The vegan mushroom burger features a plant-based patty crafted from eco-friendly ingredients topped with vegan provolone cheese, assorted vegetables and grilled mushrooms. The premium patty is made using protein extracted from soybeans and mushrooms to re-create authentic beef flavors. The vegan ciabatta sandwich is crafted from whole wheat ciabatta filled with vegan

Jan. 6, 2023

[Korean Flavors] Chef Kim Byoung-jin of Gaon believes Korean ‘haute cuisine’ is all about authenticity

For Kim Byoung-jin, chief executive chef of the three Michelin-starred restaurant Gaon, 2023 will be a new year like no other. It will be his first year outside the kitchen. After 20 years of raising Korean fine dining to a new level, one of the most famous Korean “haute cuisine” restaurants Gaon is closing Jan. 1, albeit temporarily, for reorganization. Kim, who is also the president of the Gaon Society, which operates a number of fine dining restaurant brands in Korea, will also

Jan. 1, 2023