-
Seoul’s Zest ranks No. 2 in Asia’s 50 Best Bars 2025
Seoul’s vibrant cocktail scene earned international recognition once again at the unveiling of Asia’s 50 Best Bars 2025 on July 15 in Macao, with four bars from the capital featured in the prestigious list, including two in the top 10. Leading the Seoul contingent was Zest, climbing to the No. 2 spot and earning the title of Best Bar in Korea, sponsored by Tia Maria. The bar is known for its progressive techniques and sustainable practices, Bar Cham, located in Seochon, which has gained populari
July 16, 2025 -
Actor Ryu Soo-young shares home-cooked comfort in his debut cookbook
Stir-fried spicy pork in just 9 minutes and a hearty braised chicken stew for under 10,000 won. Actor Ryu Soo-young has compiled 79 such no-fuss recipes in his debut cookbook, “Ryu Soo-young’s Recipes for Life,” aimed at helping anyone — from newlyweds to retired fathers — master the comforting flavors of Korean home cooking. At a press conference Tuesday, the actor spoke not as a celebrity, but as a passionate home cook and self-taught recipe developer. “This book isn’t for gourmet chefs. It’s
July 11, 2025 -
New global food hall Glow Seongsu brings international street flavors to Seoul
A slice of Singapore, a bite of San Francisco and a sip of Hong Kong -- all without leaving Seoul. The newly opened Glow Seongsu, which officially launched on June 5, is quickly becoming the city’s newest destination for global street food lovers. Nestled in the creative heart of Seongsu-dong, Seoul’s ever-evolving hipster enclave, Glow Seongsu houses 10 independent culinary brands under one roof, offering an immersive and photogenic dining experience that spans continents. Marketed as Korea’s f
July 10, 2025 -
Mayfield Hotel Seoul launches kimchi
Mayfield Hotel Seoul launched its first kimchi product, Bongraeheon Poggi Kimchi, based on the traditional recipes used by its signature Korean fine-dining restaurant, Bongraeheon. The product emphasizes a clean, deeply savory profile characteristic of Seoul kimchi, known for its mild balance of umami and a refreshing broth finish. All ingredients, including napa cabbage, radish, green onion, garlic, ginger, gochugaru (red pepper powder), and persimmon and pear purees, are sourced from Korea, th
July 4, 2025 -
Matcha goes mainstream with Gen Z and global stars
Once a niche drink favored by tea lovers, matcha is now at the center of a global frenzy. As social media influencers, celebrities and wellness enthusiasts have embraced powdered green tea for its health benefits and aesthetic appeal, demand has skyrocketed. Matcha, a finely ground powder made from specially grown green tea leaves, has become the beverage of choice for a new generation that prizes both clean living and visual flair. The vibrant green drink has been widely promoted by global star
July 4, 2025 -
Packages and promotions
Le Meridien Seoul Myeongdong’s all-day dining restaurant, La Palette Paris, is offering a summer "Meat-erian Buffet" through Aug. 31, featuring premium meats, fresh seafood and wellness-focused seasonal dishes. Highlights include grilled duck in house sauce, steamed black chicken with wild pine mushrooms, Shinan-aged croaker sashimi, and grilled eel, abalone and octopus with house-made sauces. Prices are 75,000 won ($55.16) for weekday lunch, and 125,000 won for weekday dinner and lunch or dinne
July 4, 2025 -
Four Seoul bars secure coveted spots on Asia's 50 Best Bars 2025 extended list
Four Seoul-based establishments have been named in the extended 51–100 rankings of Asia’s 50 Best Bars 2025, released Thursday. Pine & Co., ranked No. 52, leads the city’s entries with a concept rooted in symbolism and science. Named for the pine tree, representing longevity, and the pineapple, a symbol of hospitality, the bar blends high-tech cocktail craft with a warm, homey ambiance. Guests are invited into a "mad scientist’s lab," complete with sous vide machines, rotovaps and vacuum-packing
July 3, 2025 -
Three nutritious Korean dishes to beat summer heat
As the summer heat settles in, Koreans turn to time-tested culinary traditions to stay cool while nourishing their bodies. The phrase “Iyeol-chiyeol,” meaning "fight fire with fire," sums up the age-old belief that consuming hot food in hot weather can help maintain balance in the body. Rather than opting for cold meals, many find relief by eating warm, hearty dishes that support the body’s natural way of cooling down. This principle is based on the idea that the body, like a self-regulating eco
June 26, 2025 -
Rising temperatures spark surge in searches for Korean cold noodles, data shows
As the weather heats up, more people are turning to summer-friendly noodle dishes to beat the heat, according to data released June 20. An analysis of search and visit data by Ward, operator of restaurant reservation platform Catch Table, found a 38 percent increase in users searching and visiting restaurants serving naengmyeon, or Korean cold noodles served in broth. The surge in popularity is attributed to the early arrival of summer, prompting more diners to seek a refreshing bowl of cold noo
June 22, 2025 -
What you want is what you get … in a cup
With the seasons changing, a new "bingsu in a cup" trend is gaining popularity among young Koreans gearing up to survive the infamously humid and hot summer. Offered mostly by low-priced coffee joints like Mega Coffee, Compose Coffee and Ediya Coffee, the novelty dish packs all the regular features of the snack in a plastic cup usually used for drinks: frozen milk or cream, sweetened red beans, bite-sized rice cakes, syrup of your choosing, and of course, the chunk of shaved ice that makes it on
June 21, 2025 -
Alarmingly high sodium levels found in naengmyeon meal kits
Naengmyeon, or cold noodles, is one of the most popular dishes in Korea, especially in summer, but a government-affiliated agency warned Thursday that prepackaged naengmyeon products contain sodium levels far exceeding the recommended amount per meal. Nine out of 10 prepackaged products sold in the domestic market that were examined by the Korea Consumer Agency were found to have sodium levels exceeding half of the World Health Organization’s recommended daily intake of less than 2,000 milligram
June 21, 2025 -
Cold noodles just the thing to beat summer heat
South Korea's summer is brutal. It can be just as hot and humid as any Southeast Asian country and we cope with the hot weather in many different ways. Some drink plenty of water to stay hydrated, keep their homes cool by minimizing heat sources and turning on the air conditioner all day, limit physical activities to cooler parts of the day and bring portable electric fans with them outside to beat the heat. Another popular way to beat the heat is a bowl of ice-cold mulnaengmyeong. There is like
June 21, 2025 -
Packages and promotions
Park Hyatt Seoul is offering up to 20 percent off room rates with its Early Summer Promotion through Aug. 31. Guests who book three or more nights by Aug. 28 receive discounted stays starting at 400,000 won per night. All guests enjoy access to the pool and fitness studio, and suite bookings include complimentary sauna access. Ideal for a luxury staycation, the promotion provides panoramic views of Gangnam, upscale amenities and a tranquil summer retreat in the city. Kensington Hotels & Resorts
June 20, 2025 -
From Master Chef to writer, Choi Kang-rok shares his quiet struggles, new dreams
Known for his creative ideas and star turns on reality shows like Netflix’s "Culinary Class Wars," chef Choi Kang-rok appeared at the 2025 Seoul International Book Fair on Wednesday not with a knife, but with a pen in hand — and a surprising amount of self-doubt. “I’m very embarrassed to put my life into a book,” said Choi, 47, a well-known introvert, speaking slowly but candidly to a crowd at Coex. He attended the book fair as the author of “Cooking for Life,” his first essay collection and sec
June 19, 2025 -
The visionary behind Seoul’s London Bagel Museum on building more than a bakery
One of Seoul’s most buzzed-about bakeries, London Bagel Museum, became an instant hit when it opened its doors in Anguk-dong, Jongno, in 2021 -- and it still draws long lines four years later. Behind the wildly successful brand is Ryo, whose real name is Lee Hyo-jung, the visionary and brand director who has had a hand in nearly every detail, from recipe development to interior aesthetics, not only of London Bagel Museum, but also of Artist Bakery -- known for its salt butter bread -- as well as
June 17, 2025