YouTuber’s 990 won bakery pop-up in Seoul triggers backlash from local bakers

A low-cost bakery pop-up in Seoul is sparking debate over the true price of bread in South Korea. Starting Saturday, a finance-focused YouTube channel with more than 3.6 million subscribers, Syuka World, opened a temporary bakery in Seoul’s Seongsu-dong, offering popular items such as salt bread, bagels and baguettes for just 990 won (about $0.70). The initiative was meant to highlight how expensive everyday baked goods have become in Korea, but it has also drawn criticism from bakery owners who

Sept. 1, 2025

Miyuki, Japanese-Italian pasta omakase by Michelin-trained chef

Tucked away in the quiet alleys of Songpa-gu, Seoul, Miyuki introduces a bold new concept that’s turning heads in the city’s fine dining scene: a pasta omakase. Led by Chef Zeno, a Michelin-caliber chef trained in Italy, the restaurant bridges Japanese precision and Italian tradition in a serene, minimalist setting where just eight guests are served per seating. Chef Zeno’s culinary pedigree is impeccable. A graduate of Italy’s prestigious ALMA Culinary School, he trained in the kitchens of Piaz

Aug. 30, 2025

Packages and promotions

Beginning Sep. 1, Moxy Seoul Myeongdong’s Bar Moxy unveils its new dining concept, Moxy Steak, offering a stylish yet approachable steak experience in the heart of the city. Diners can choose the Moxy Signature Sirloin Steak (19,000 won), served with fresh salad and unlimited fries, or the Moxy Premium Ribeye Steak (24,000 won), paired with baked potato, asparagus, sun-dried tomato and roasted garlic. Both options include a selection of three sauces: red wine, whole-grain mustard and white chimi

Aug. 29, 2025

Seoul cafes put matcha in the spotlight with innovative variations

Matcha is enjoying worldwide popularity, with fans praising its earthy bitterness and health benefits. In Seoul, the trend is just as strong, and a handful of local cafes are putting their own spin on the finely ground green tea powder, offering experiences that range from casual to ceremonial. Three destinations — Korz near Samgakji, Dongdong Teahouse in Yeonnam-dong and T. Nomad in Mangwon-dong — show that matcha can be enjoyed in diverse ways, whether as a frothy cappuccino, a carefully sourc

Aug. 23, 2025

Packages and promotions

Timeless serenity at Four Seasons Hotel Seoul Four Seasons Hotel Seoul has launched the "Timeless Serenity" package, in partnership with Korea’s premier red ginseng brand, JungKwanJang. Designed for deep rest and renewal, the package includes a JungKwanJang Gidarim Gift Set featuring rare agarwood resin products, guided meditations and sleep-enhancing amenities. Guests can enjoy expert-led fitness classes and an international buffet breakfast for two at The Market Kitchen. Rates start at 800,000

Aug. 22, 2025

$35 for three dumplings: A peek into Louis Vuitton restaurant in Seoul

Louis Vuitton is stepping into Seoul’s dining scene with a high-end culinary venture, and now, food lovers and fashion enthusiasts alike are getting their first look at the menu — and the price tags. Reservations for Le Cafe Louis Vuitton, the brand’s first restaurant in Korea, opened Monday afternoon via the restaurant booking platform CatchTable. The venue is set to officially open on Sept. 1, occupying the fourth floor of Maison Louis Vuitton Seoul in the upscale neighborhood of Cheongdam-don

Aug. 19, 2025

Packages and promotions

Andaz Seoul Gangnam’s Meat & Co. Steakhouse offers a summer six-course dinner menu through Sep. 14. Highlights include house-smoked salmon, grilled corn soup, half lobster and charcoal-grilled 1++ Korean sirloin. A flaming Baked Alaska dessert is served tableside. Every Friday features live jazz for a romantic fine dining experience. The course menu is 150,000 won per person, with an optional wine pairing for 65,000 won. Discounts are available through Naver reservations. Le Meridien Seoul Myeon

Aug. 15, 2025

Seoul hotels roll out free-flow drink promotions to beat summer heat

With summer heat waves and heavy rains taking their toll on daily life, luxury hotels across Seoul are offering unlimited drink promotions to help guests cool off in comfort. The Westin Josun Seoul's Italian restaurant Rubrica is offering its "Surf & Turf" unlimited draft beer through Aug. 31. Guests can pair Heineken lager with lobster, lamb chops, abalone, shrimp and grilled vegetables, priced at 147,000 won for two people with a 20 percent discount. Banyan Tree Club & Spa Seoul's Moon Bar is

Aug. 10, 2025

Saunter into wonderland of cocktails and creativity at Alice Cheongdam

Tucked deep in the streets of Cheongdam-dong in southern Seoul, Alice Cheongdam offers a sanctuary where mixology meets surrealism. Inspired by “Alice's Adventures in Wonderland,” the upscale cocktail bar has earned a coveted spot at No. 13 on Asia’s 50 Best Bars 2025, capturing the hearts of both local and international cocktail enthusiasts. Enter the unknown Stepping into Alice Cheongdam, one is immediately transported to an alternate universe. The dimly lit corridors, quirky art and mysteriou

Aug. 7, 2025

Makgeolli and jeon: Korea's coolest summer couple

Sometimes, all you want is good booze and comforting bites to treat your taste buds -- we all have those days. And when the craving hits hard, makgeolli -- Korea's beloved milky, fizzy rice wine -- and jeon, or savory Korean pancakes, might just be the ultimate pairing. For those wondering where to go for the combo, a good 10-minute walk from Exit No. 2 of Mangwon Station on Subway Line No. 6 will take you to Mangwon Market in Mapo-gu, western Seoul, where you can follow your nose to the market'

Aug. 2, 2025

Hotels offer midsummer heat-relief menus

As the sweltering summer continues, hotels in Seoul are serving up seasonal health-boosting dishes for under 100,000 won ($72). From refined single-serving plates to convenient takeout, these offerings can be both elegant and budget-friendly. Andaz Seoul Gangnam’s Jogakbo Kitchen presents three modern Korean dishes inspired by tradition, available for dinner only. The standout Yeongju-style dakbaeksuk (72,000 won for two) is a delicate chicken stew infused with seven herbs and slow-cooked for si

July 27, 2025

Let 'KPop Demon Hunters' guide your culinary tour of Seoul

In “KPop Demon Hunters,” food is more than just a background addition — it’s central to the characters’ energy and their culture. The film follows Huntrix, an all-female K-pop trio who moonlight as demon slayers. And slaying all those demons leaves them with an appetite. Their meals, featured throughout the film, are packed with iconic and sometimes lesser-known Korean dishes, revealing a deep culinary layer to the storytelling. For writer-director Maggie Kang, the choice to incorporate a variet

July 24, 2025

Healthy eating reduces medical bills by 8.6%: study

While it's generally understood that a healthy diet is good for the body, a new study published Monday indicated that healthy eating can also reduce medical costs by 8.6 percent. Researchers from the department of family medicine at Seoul National University Hospital studied the extent to which a well-balanced diet can reduce visits to the hospital and the associated medical expenses. They studied their subjects' annual medical spending, controlling for potentially distorting factors like gender

July 21, 2025

Packages and promotions

The Four Seasons Hotel Seoul rolled out its “Kids For All Seasons” package, tailored for families traveling with children. Available through Aug. 31, the offer includes weekend and holiday kids’ activities such as English play sessions and cooking classes, access to the Kids Lounge, an in-room tent setup and a 150,000 won ($108.14) dining credit. Designed to create engaging and educational experiences, this package starts at 750,000 won per night for a Premium King Room. Sono International and T

July 18, 2025

Savor bold flavors, cultural mash-up at fusion hansik restaurant Junghee

Ask foodies about the origin of "fusion" cuisine, and they will tell you that chef and US culinary legend Norman Van Aken introduced "fusion" into the lexicon of global cookery when he began serving Caribbean, Latin American and European food at his Florida restaurant Norman's. Fusion food is where tradition gets a little glow-up and classic flavors get a bold twist. It is a boundary-breaking culinary adventure that blends different flavors and ingredients to serve up dishes that are anything bu

July 17, 2025