'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

[Around the Hotels] Promotions and packages

Fairmont Ambassador Seoul presents ‘Strawberry High Tea at Fairmont’ promotion The Atrium Lounge at Fairmont Ambassador Seoul Hotel presents Strawberry High Tea at Fairmont, an indulgent celebration of winter’s favorite fruit, from Jan. 2 to March 12. This season’s high tea features a selection of desserts and beverages crafted from fresh strawberries, complemented by savory items. The dessert menu includes strawberry mousse, terrine, mont-blanc filled with jam and monte

Dec. 30, 2022

Best Restaurants in Itaewon, Seoul

This information is provided by CATCH TABLE. -- Ed. 1. La Cucina La Cucina is a traditional Italian restaurant that offers a wide variety of classic dishes and a carefully curated wine selection. It serves all your favorite Italian dishes, from creamy pasta sauces to tender meats and fresh seafood. Whether you're in the mood for a casual meal or a more formal dining experience, La Cucina has something for everyone. With its warm, inviting atmosphere and delicious food, La Cucina is the

Dec. 29, 2022

[Korean Flavors] Chef Kim Sea-kyeong reinterprets Korean food with American-style cooking

Most of Kim Sea-kyeong’s career as a chef was cooking American cuisine in the US, but one thing he dreamed of for a long time was reinterpreting Korean food -- what he calls his “soul food” -- the way he had mastered through Western recipes. “After working many years in the US with locals, I came to notice that what people aren’t familiar with is the way Korean food is enjoyed, such as side dishes, the experience can be made better through the concept of ‘bans

Dec. 27, 2022

'K-food needs to be industrialized'

With Korean food's potential economic value reaching over 100 trillion won ($78 billion), experts emphasize the need for the industrialization of Korean food more than globalization. At an academic conference titled "K-food's Industrialization" co-organized by the Korea Chamber of Commerce and Industry and the Korea Academic Society for the Food Service Industry Policy on Friday in Seoul, participants pointed out that the private sector must lead the industrialization of Ko

Dec. 25, 2022

[Around the Hotels] Promotions and packages

Park Hyatt Busan presents festive promotions Dining Room, the Steak & Seafood Grill restaurant, located on the 32nd floor of Park Hyatt Busan, offers a “Festive Lunch,” featuring an appetizer buffet with a variety of fresh seafood items such as sashimi, king prawns, crabs, oysters, abalone, and classic Mediterranean appetizers, followed by scrambled eggs with caviar, grilled lobster tail, Australian beef tenderloin steak and dessert. A five-course dinner menu includes Dining Room

Dec. 24, 2022

[Temple to Table] Seasonal food from the earth: Dongchimi

Declaring that temple food is not just cooking, Ven. Gyeho says, “Cooking describes the process of transforming food from nature to culture, and diverse techniques are applied to make it more beautiful and tasteful. On the other hand, nature is alive in mountain temple food. The food monastics eat daily becomes their medicine. Our body is part of nature, so we should eat seasonal food from the earth in accordance with the season.” For example, in spring when new buds sprout, one shou

Dec. 24, 2022

Best Restaurants in Hongdae, Seoul

This information is provided by CATCH TABLE. -- Ed. 1. Side Note Club, Ryse Hotel Side Note Club is a rooftop lounge where guests can enjoy trendy cocktails and live performances. The atmosphere is chic and modern, and the view from the rooftop is breathtaking. The lounge's menu features a range of unique and delicious cocktails, as well as a selection of small plates and snacks. Guests can also enjoy live DJing and concerts by local artists. Reservations can be made for Side Note Club, Rys

Dec. 22, 2022

[Around the Hotels] Promotions and packages

JW Marriott Hotel Seoul offers festive menu for Christmas Flavors, the luxury buffet dining destination at JW Marriott Hotel Seoul, greets the Christmas and New Year season with a special festive menu. The buffet features diverse dishes from Korea, China, Japan, India and around the world, as well a selection of traditional Christmas cakes and desserts. Seven live buffet stations serve piping hot oven-roast turkey, a variety of grilled lobster, crab and meat dishes cooked to order, and seafood d

Dec. 16, 2022

Best Restaurants in Gangnam, Seoul

This information is provided by CATCH TABLE. -- Ed. 1. Restaurant Allen Welcome to Restaurant Allen! It is a French fine dining restaurant with great wine pairings. Meal courses consist of dishes that are well-balanced overall and delicately designed platings. Lettering services with desserts are available if you visit on anniversaries. Reservations can be made for Restaurant Allen via CATCH TABLE. 2. PERIGEE One of the best pasta places in Seoul. All dishes are made with sincerity that ma

Dec. 15, 2022

Bowl of hot beef soup to warm your day

While Koreans enjoy many different types of soup at each meal, seolleongtang, a hearty bone broth soup, easily tops the list during the winter months. Seolleongtang is made by simmering ox bones, specifically leg bones, with brisket and other cuts of beef for hours. The density of the smooth, milky soup depends on the quantity and types of the beef cuts that go into the broth making. Those who love this hearty Korean beef soup cannot help but wonder, “What is the difference between seolleo

Dec. 10, 2022

[Around the Hotels] Promotions and packages

JW Marriott Hotel Seoul Launches ‘Joyful Winter Memory at JW’ package JW Marriott Hotel Seoul's new winter package features one night in a JW Marriott guest room offering panoramic views of the Han River and downtown Seoul through floor-to-ceiling windows and a selection of exclusive gifts, from wines to new year diaries, diffusers and more. Package guests also receive one bottle of choice between two varieties of special wine produced in collaboration with Roc de Saint Jean (es

Dec. 10, 2022

[Temple to Table] Temple food staple: Siraegi bokkeum

“Food is important for life! Physical health should be maintained by food first and then by medicine. That’s why we need to prepare food with great sincerity because it gives us life. What are the three components of temple food?” To this question from the Ven. Gyeho, all present became immersed in thought. “They are purity, pliability and accord with the Dharma. Of these three, the foremost is purity. The cook must have a pure mind without the three poisons of greed, hat

Dec. 10, 2022

Best Dining Bars in Seoul 2022

This information is provided by CATCH TABLE. -- Ed.   1. Opnng Opnng is a 2023 Michelin Guide Seoul wine bar that provides a good atmosphere for wine lovers who visit. This stylish wine bar attracts customers with its fancy mood and numerous wine lists. Please call us directly for reservations of more than five parties. Reservations can be made for Opnng via CATCH TABLE.     2. Found Local Found Local is a cafe and wine bar that offers Korean food-based dishes and natural wines. P

Dec. 8, 2022

[Around the Hotels] Promotions and packages

JW Marriott Hotel Seoul presents Sweet Memories Afternoon Tea Set The Lounge at JW Marriott Hotel Seoul celebrates the arrival of seasonal winter strawberries with the Sweet Memories Afternoon Tea Set, available from Dec. 1 to Feb. 28. This season’s tea set features a variety of unique JW Marriott Hotel Seoul desserts crafted by the hotel’s pastry team from strawberries, plus a selection of savory items. Served on a two-tier silver tray by Greggio, the tea set features five strawberr

Dec. 3, 2022

Best Italian Restaurants of 2022

This information is provided by CATCH TABLE. -- Ed. 1. Jae(在) Restaurant Jae(在) is famous for its Tajarin menu served by an Italian bistro specialist chef Lee Jae-hoon. Bolongnese lasagne and tenderloin steak are must-order menus. Please note that the restaurant only offers course menus on Saturdays and holidays. Reservations can be made for Jae(在) via CATCH TABLE 2. Osteria Orzo Osteria Orzo offers a variety of Italian cuisine, starting from pastas and risottos to beef dishes. The white r

Dec. 1, 2022