“Culinary Class Wars” has captivated viewers by featuring chefs who represent two distinct culinary worlds. Through cooking battles and dramatic storytelling, the show has spotlighted Korean chefs’ dedication and innovation, sparking new interest in Korean cuisine both locally and internationally. Viewers are increasingly seeking to experience firsthand the dishes and restaurant atmospheres depicted on screen.
“100 Taste of Seoul” promotes the city’s diverse culinary offerings across seven categories:
• Korean (21)
• Asian (14)
• Western (23)
• Grill (11)
• Plant-based (10)
• Cafes & Dessert (10)
• Bars & Pub (11)
Links to the establishments on the respective lists
The selection features 28 new establishments, while 28 others have maintained their positions for five consecutive years, demonstrating both innovation and consistency in Seoul’s restaurant scene. To compile the list, food critics, chefs and cultural experts assessed the quality, creativity and cultural significance of numerous establishments. Alongside this initiative, Seoul will unveil a list of the city’s top 50 plant-based restaurants, a separate guide dedicated to vegetarian and vegan-friendly establishments, reflecting the growing demand for such dining options.
The “The Voyage of Taste” on Nodeulseom Island lets you experience a wide variety of Seoul dining and Korean food culture in one place. (Photo courtesy of the Taste of Seoul)
To enhance the celebration, special events will allow participants to experience dishes featured on “Culinary Class Wars” through interactive cooking demonstrations and tasting sessions. Highlighting the immense public interest in these culinary experiences, tickets to an exclusive tasting event at Sebitseom, the floating islets next to Banpo Bridge on the Hangang River, sold out in seconds. The event will showcase chefs from the Netflix series and innovative dishes in an upscale setting. Attendees will have the opportunity to interact with their favorite celebrity chefs and learn about their cooking philosophies.
“Taste of Seoul 2024” will feature various events showcasing the city’s unique flavors and styles. For example, Seoul’s signature restaurants will be working with up-and-coming chefs to produce new menu items, and traditional markets will bring in culinary influencers to promote cooking classes. (Photo courtesy of the Taste of Seoul)
The pairing of “100 Taste of Seoul” with “Culinary Class Wars” exemplifies Seoul’s growing influence in the global food scene. With its mix of traditional and modern cuisines, the city has become a prime destination for culinary tourism, offering experiences that range from centuries-old Korean traditions to cutting-edge fusion concepts. This successful blend of entertainment and gastronomy continues to elevate Korea’s reputation for culinary excellence internationally, while inspiring a new generation of chefs to push the boundaries of Korean cuisine.
