When visiting South Korea, one of the best ways to immerse yourself in the local culture is through its food. Korean cuisine is renowned for its bold flavors, healthy ingredients, and diverse cooking techniques, and what better way to experience it than by learning how to cook it yourself? For tourists seeking an authentic and hands-on experience, Korean cooking classes offer the perfect opportunity to not only enjoy the food but also bring a piece of it back home.
Whether you’re a culinary enthusiast or a complete beginner, Korean cooking classes cater to all skill levels, allowing you to dive deep into the world of Korean cuisine. From traditional dishes like bibimbap and kimchi to street food staples like tteokbokki, these classes give you a unique insight into the techniques and ingredients that define Korean food.
In this guide, we’ll explore some of the best Korean cooking classes available to tourists in Seoul, what you can expect from each experience, and how you can bring a taste of Korea to your own kitchen.
1. O’ngo Food Communications: Authentic Korean Cooking with a Twist
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One of the most popular cooking schools in Seoul for tourists is O’ngo Food Communications. Located in the heart of the city, O’ngo offers a wide range of cooking classes that cater to different tastes and skill levels. Their classes are conducted in English, making it easy for international visitors to follow along.
At O’ngo, you can learn to prepare traditional Korean dishes such as bulgogi (marinated beef), kimchi (fermented vegetables), and pajeon (savory pancakes). Each class begins with an introduction to the ingredients and cultural significance of the dishes, followed by a step-by-step demonstration by a professional chef. Then, it’s your turn to take the reins and try your hand at cooking.
After the class, participants sit down to enjoy the meal they’ve prepared, accompanied by a selection of traditional side dishes known as banchan. For those looking to dive deeper, O’ngo also offers market tours where you can explore local food markets and learn how to pick the best ingredients.
Why It’s Great: O’ngo provides a fun and interactive way to learn about Korean food, with a focus on hands-on experience. The market tours add an extra layer of cultural immersion, making it a well-rounded culinary adventure.
2. Korea House: A Taste of Royal Court Cuisine
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For a more historical and luxurious cooking experience, Korea House offers classes focused on Joseon Dynasty royal court cuisine. Located in a traditional Korean building, Korea House is not only a cooking school but also a cultural hub where visitors can experience traditional performances, ceremonies, and food.
The cooking classes here are unique in that they teach you how to prepare dishes that were once served to Korean royalty. You’ll learn how to make elegant and refined dishes like gujeolpan (a nine-sectioned platter of delicacies) and sinseollo (a hot pot of meat and vegetables). These recipes have been passed down through generations and offer a glimpse into the sophisticated culinary traditions of Korea’s royal courts.
Each class is taught by a professional chef who specializes in traditional Korean cuisine. The sessions are hands-on, with detailed instructions and guidance to help you master these intricate dishes.
Why It’s Great: Korea House offers a unique opportunity to cook dishes that were once reserved for royalty. The combination of history, culture, and fine dining makes this class an unforgettable experience for anyone interested in Korean culinary traditions.
3. Kimchi Academy House: Master the Art of Kimchi Making
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No trip to Korea is complete without learning how to make kimchi, Korea’s beloved and iconic fermented side dish. At the Kimchi Academy House, tourists can participate in specialized classes that focus solely on the art of kimchi-making.
Kimchi Academy House is located in the bustling Myeongdong area of Seoul, making it a convenient stop for tourists exploring the city. The class begins with an introduction to the history and significance of kimchi in Korean cuisine, followed by a demonstration of the various types of kimchi and their ingredients.
Participants are then guided through the process of making their own kimchi, from preparing the vegetables to seasoning them with a special blend of chili flakes, garlic, and fish sauce. At the end of the class, you get to take home your handmade kimchi, perfectly packaged for travel. For those who want to dive deeper, the academy also offers additional classes where you can learn how to make other fermented foods such as jangajji (pickled vegetables) and doenjang (fermented soybean paste).
Why It’s Great: Kimchi is an essential part of Korean cuisine, and learning how to make it is a must for any foodie visiting Korea. The Kimchi Academy House provides a hands-on experience where you can create your own batch of this world-famous dish.
4. Food & Culture Academy: A Deep Dive into Korean Culinary Traditions
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For those looking for an immersive and educational experience, the Food & Culture Academy in Seoul offers comprehensive cooking classes that delve into the cultural aspects of Korean food. Established by culinary experts, this academy is known for its in-depth approach to teaching Korean cuisine, making it perfect for those who want more than just a casual cooking class.
The academy offers a variety of classes that focus on different aspects of Korean cuisine, from bibimbap and samgyetang (ginseng chicken soup) to traditional Korean desserts. Each class is designed to give participants a deep understanding of the ingredients, cooking techniques, and cultural significance of each dish.
In addition to their regular classes, the Food & Culture Academy also offers specialty courses, such as Temple Cuisine, which focuses on the vegetarian and vegan-friendly dishes commonly prepared in Buddhist temples. This course is particularly popular among health-conscious travelers and those interested in plant-based diets.
Why It’s Great: The Food & Culture Academy provides a thorough and educational experience, perfect for those who want to learn about Korean cuisine on a deeper level. The variety of classes ensures that there’s something for everyone, whether you’re a beginner or an experienced cook.
5. Maangchi Cooking Classes: Learn from a YouTube Celebrity
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If you’re a fan of Korean cooking videos on YouTube, you’ve likely heard of Maangchi, one of the most popular online personalities in the world of Korean cuisine. Maangchi has a huge international following, thanks to her fun and approachable cooking tutorials.
While Maangchi herself doesn’t offer in-person cooking classes in Seoul, there are several cooking schools in the city that follow her popular recipes. These classes are perfect for fans of her channel who want to recreate her dishes in a guided, hands-on environment.
These classes typically focus on some of Maangchi’s most popular recipes, such as jjajangmyeon (black bean noodles), tteokbokki (spicy rice cakes), and bulgogi (marinated beef). Participants will learn step-by-step how to prepare these iconic dishes, with tips and tricks to ensure they come out perfectly every time.
Why It’s Great: For fans of Maangchi’s YouTube channel, these classes offer a chance to cook her most beloved dishes in a professional kitchen setting. The recipes are fun and accessible, making them a great choice for beginners.
6. Seoul Kimchi Academy: The Ultimate Cooking and Cultural Experience
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Another popular destination for learning how to make kimchi is the Seoul Kimchi Academy, located in the lively Insa-dong neighborhood. This cooking school is perfect for tourists who want to combine food with culture, as the classes here offer a full cultural experience, including traditional Korean attire.
At the Seoul Kimchi Academy, participants not only learn how to make kimchi but also have the option to dress in a hanbok (traditional Korean clothing) for a unique photo opportunity. The classes are fun and interactive, with a strong focus on the cultural significance of kimchi in Korean society.
In addition to kimchi-making, the academy also offers short courses on making other popular Korean dishes, such as bulgogi and japchae (stir-fried glass noodles). After the class, you can enjoy the food you’ve made while dressed in your traditional hanbok, making for a memorable experience.
Why It’s Great: The combination of cooking and cultural activities makes this class a fun and immersive experience. The opportunity to dress in traditional clothing while cooking adds an extra layer of enjoyment.
Conclusion
Korean cooking classes offer tourists a delicious and hands-on way to connect with the country’s rich culinary traditions. Whether you’re learning to make kimchi, mastering royal court cuisine, or preparing street food favorites, these classes provide a memorable and educational experience that will stay with you long after you leave. By joining a cooking class during your trip to Seoul, you’ll not only get to enjoy the flavors of Korea but also take home the skills to recreate them in your own kitchen.
