Michelin star chef harmonizes French cuisine with Korean flair

A series of gala dinner events offering guests a unique opportunity to savor French modern cuisine by a three-Michelin-starred chef from France are being held through Saturday at JW Marriott hotels in Seoul and Jeju Island. Led by chef Pascal Barbot and his two sous chefs, the culinary experience promises a creative journey featuring a seven-course menu complemented by five wine pairings. Barbot opened his restaurant Astrance in Paris in July 2000. Within a remarkably short span of less than a d

July 1, 2023

[Herald Interview] Louis Pere & Fils hopes to cement presence in Korea

Louis Max-Starkman, the sixth-generation chairman of Louis Pere & Fils to succeed the family's winery business, said he takes prides in Louis Pere & Fils’ unique method of wine production, which he described as a combination of tradition and modern transformation. Established in 1859 in Beaune, a small town in the center of the French winemaking Burgundy region, Louis Pere & Fils follows just one rule, according to Max-Starkman. “We have focused on producing high qua

July 1, 2023

[Well-curated] Horror nights at BIFAN's free outdoor screenings and more

Knot tying at hanok on a rainy day Donglim Knot Workshop, a small hanok situated just a five-minute stroll away from Anguk Station and near the Bukchon Hanok village, showcases the traditional art of Korean knot tying called "maedeup." This enchanting space, led by Shim Young-mi, who hails from a family with a four-generation legacy in Korean knot craftsmanship, has been in operation since 2004. The workshop proudly displays a wide array of ornamental knots passed down through generati

June 30, 2023

[Around the Hotels] Promotions and packages

Four Seasons Hotel Seoul offers special promotion at Yu Yuan Four Seasons Hotel Seoul's Chinese restaurant Yu Yuan has been given the Best of Award of Excellence at the 2023 Wine Spectator Restaurant Awards. To commemorate the achievement, Yu Yuan invites guests to indulge in a wine and culinary experience until July 31. A selection of 370 wines, expertly paired with diverse flavors of Chongqing cuisine, will be available. The limited-time menu includes sweet shrimp maraban, fiery deep-frie

June 30, 2023

Five-star hotel in Gangnam found in violation of food safety laws

Josun Palace, a Luxury Collection, Seoul Gangnam, was found to be in violation of food safety laws during an inspection by the Ministry of Food and Drug Safety on May 22, the ministry said Wednesday. Constans, Josun Palace's buffet restaurant, was found to have ingredients past their expiration date, according to the ministry. The restaurant is renowned for its luxurious dining experience, evident in its pricing of 160,000 won ($122) for weekday lunches and 185,000 won for weekend lunches.

June 28, 2023

[Coffee Klatch] Puff Out, new hideout in eastern Seoul for coffee, classic hip-hop lovers

Seongsu-dong in Seoul has been likened to parts of Brooklyn for many reasons. Its eclectic, industrial vibe from its origin as the home of shoe-making studios and car repair centers for decades attracts those in their 20s and 30s to the neighborhood. Showrooms of fashion brands and restaurants -- from high-end to modest eateries -- come and go here, but what makes Seongsu bustle is the presence of cafes. From the flagship coffee shops of famous brands to uniquely local cafes, cafes are ubiquitou

June 24, 2023

[Around the Hotels] Promotions and packages

Four Seasons Hotel Seoul offers 'Express Lunch' buffet Four Seasons Hotel Seoul's buffet restaurant, the Market Kitchen, has launched its "Express Lunch" promotion, available until Aug. 31. The promotion offers the weekday lunch buffet for 98,000 won per person, a discount of over 30 percent off the regular price. The offer is valid for one hour from the time of reservation for weekday lunch visits only. The Market Kitchen offers a wide selection of international cuisi

June 23, 2023

Taco trailblazers: Seoul's must-try Mexican bites

One of the best ways to beat the summer heat is with a dash of spice, a squeeze of lime and perhaps, a sip of creamy horchata. Whether you are looking for comfort food or fresh flavors, Mexican cuisine ticks all the boxes, offering homestyle favorites and deceptively light bites that never fail to pack a punch. The Korea Herald visited three Mexican spots across Seoul, all of which delivered on their promise of delicious food without a drop of canned salsa, tinned sweetcorn or processed guacam

June 17, 2023

[Around the Hotels] Promotions and packages

Grand Hyatt Seoul unveils 'Taste of Summer' Grand Hyatt Seoul, located in Yongsan, central Seoul, launches its summer BBQ promotion at the Terrace, featuring a live buffet station overlooking panoramic views of the city. The promotion includes a variety of international cuisines. At the buffet section, Italian, Chinese, Southeast Asian, American and Korean dishes are prepared. At the live cooking station, chefs will prepare Korean ginseng chogye salad, refreshing chilled chicken and

June 16, 2023

[College Eats] Charming brunch places near Korea University

When one thinks of Korea University, one might imagine a quaint neighborhood, famous for makgeolli, a Korean-style rice wine, and buchimgae, a type of pancake. Despite the decades-old image of the area, there are many hidden gems and charming brunch restaurants around Korea University. The Korea Herald visited some of the neighborhood's eateries, which were all highly satisfying -- both in terms of taste and value for money. It was well worth the journey to Anam-dong in Seongbuk-gu. Hippo

June 10, 2023

[Around the Hotels] Promotions and packages

Four Seasons Hotel Seoul collaborates with Won Soju Four Seasons Hotel Seoul's late-night contemporary bar OUL is collaborating with Korea’s trending liquor brand, Won Soju. Using totomi, a type of rice grown exclusively in Wonju, Gangwon Province, Won Soju presents two additive-free soju varieties -- smooth Original, which is distilled then aged in traditional Korean onggi clay pots, and the Classic, distinguished by a rich and yeasty aroma. OUL guests can enjoy Won Soju by the gla

June 9, 2023

Beat the summer heat with noodles in cold soybean soup

On a blistering weekday afternoon, delightful cries of "siwonhada," or "that's refreshing," echo outside a bustling noodle establishment in the heart of Seoul. A lengthy queue starts to form at 11:30 a.m. catching the attention of passersby. The noodle restaurant specializes in kongguksu, or noodle in cold soybean soup that is rich and creamy. Kongguksu combines simplicity, nourishment and a unique taste that has captivated the Koreans' taste buds for generations. T

June 3, 2023

[Around the Hotels] Promotions and packages

Westin Josun Seoul launches ‘Viva Summer, Edition 2’ package Westin Josun Seoul presents a summer package that offers guests a blend of cultural experiences and a comfortable stay. As part of this package, the hotel will host the Summer Art Festival on Aug. 11 at 8 p.m., featuring Singer Ailee and Tei, at the Grand Ballroom. Guests will receive two concert tickets along with drinks and snacks. For guests staying in Executive Deluxe rooms, additional benefits include the club lounge a

June 2, 2023

Michelin Guide to cover Busan restaurants in 2024

BUSAN -- South Korea’s second-largest city, will be covered in the Michelin Guide from next year, the publisher said Thursday during a press conference held at Park Hyatt Busan. Michelin Guide Seoul and Busan 2024 will be released as a single volume in February. "Since 2016, we have been writing amazing culinary stories with Seoul, and I'm happy to announce that this story will now extend to Busan," Gwendal Poullennec, Michelin Guide’s international director said. Th

June 1, 2023

[College Eats] ‘Sharosugil’ a hotspot for foodies

Seoul National University, located at the foot of Gwanaksan, has a signature food alley -- Sharosugil. The “Sha” comes from how the word resembles the shape of the main gate at the university, while the rest is a nod to Garosugil, an upmarket shopping street in Southern Seoul. From delightful, cheap eateries for students to fancy restaurants for couples, the neighborhood of Seoul National University has become one of the most visited places in Seoul for foodies. Because the area is i

May 27, 2023

[Around the Hotels] Promotions and packages

Haevichi Hotel & Resort debuts Indian course meal Haevichi Hotel & Resort Jeju presents a dining deal at its restaurant Darangswi. Guests can indulge in an Indian course meal, which features five dishes and four drinks, offering a blend of exotic flavors. Starting with appetizers like papadums and Indian traditional sauces, the course provides samosas and a tandoori chicken platter. The meal concludes with a thali of curry dishes and nan, followed by rice pudding for dessert. Each course

May 26, 2023

Forget tea formalities, Woongcha is all about the brew

In Seoul’s tranquil Eungpyeong-gu residential district, a hidden gem awaits just a stone’s throw from Eungam Station. Its unassuming exterior shows the warmth within, adorned with a sign resembling the Korean letter “woong,” cleverly fashioned with a cup and a cupboard. As guests step inside, they are met by Park Jung-woong, 32, the friendly owner of a tea sharing culture space. Here, conversations and small talks take precedence over menus, a rarity in the bustling city

May 20, 2023

[College Eats] Homely, cheap, one-signature-dish eateries around Hanyang University

Restaurants near college campuses are known to be especially cheap. Considering students' low budgets, eateries there tend to offer affordable food that is quick-to-serve and caters to all tastes. Serving one, signature dish is often a sign of the owner's confidence in the taste and quality of food. Built on years of know-how, there is no sophisticated technique involved. Such dishes do not rely on sophisticated ingredients. Instead, it’s the homely taste that pulls in customers.

May 13, 2023

[Around the Hotels] Promotions and packages

Mayfield Hotel Seoul hosts wine fair Dionysus Mayfield Hotel Seoul is hosting Dionysus, Seoul's third-largest wine fair, in an expansive 800-square-meter spring garden. The event showcases a selection of over 200 wines, from light, everyday varietals to cult wines with guidance from the hotel's sommelier. Attendees get unlimited wine tastings complemented by gourmet pairings such as peppercorn chop steak and Penang rice noodles, served directly at the table. The event -- featuring perf

May 12, 2023

Nosh - A little corner of Britain in Seoul

British food is often a divisive topic, with many quick to criticize its lack of flavor, creativity and a certain oomph. If you find yourself nodding along to this sentiment, the food at Nosh, an all-day brunch restaurant in Gwanak-gu, southwestern Seoul, might just change your mind. Located on a quiet street near Sindaebang Station, the small restaurant, which is decked out in all things British, complete with photos of Oasis and the late Queen, was overflowing with people on a Friday morning

May 5, 2023