Seoul Invites Tourists to Cook With Michelin-Starred Chefs in Bustling Markets

The Seoul Metropolitan Government is launching a special culinary experience program for foreign tourists called “Seoul Table.” The event will take place on September 15 and 20 at Kyungdong Market and Mangwon Market, respectively, offering participants the opportunity to experience the essence of Korean cuisine in the lively atmosphere of traditional markets.

The cooking class goes beyond a simple lesson, beginning with a hands-on market tour where participants personally select fresh seasonal ingredients. This allows them to gain a deeper understanding of Korea’s traditional market culture while experiencing the freshness of local produce with all their senses.

Notably, Michelin-recognized chefs Park Joo-eun and Hwang Jin-sun will lead the classes, enhancing the program’s professionalism. Chef Park will conduct the session at Omi Culinary Lab in Kyungdong Market, while Chef Hwang will lead the class at Connecting Mangwon in Mangwon Market. Both chefs have been featured in the “Seoul Top 100 Restaurants” for three consecutive years, and Chef Hwang, in particular, has gained wider public recognition through his appearance on the popular cooking show Black & White Chef.

Each class will run from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. for about three hours and will be operated in small groups of 8 to 10 participants, allowing for close interaction and detailed guidance from the chefs.

Lee Jae-hwa, director of the Seoul Tourism Industry Division, said, “We designed this program so that foreign tourists can experience Seoul’s culinary charm firsthand by visiting traditional markets,” adding, “We will continue to develop tourism content that combines local gastronomy with cultural experiences.”

The participation fee is 110,000 won per person. Foreign tourists who wish to join can make reservations starting at 10 a.m. on August 22 through the official websites of Omi Culinary Lab and Connecting Mangwon. The program is expected to promote the cultural value of Korea’s traditional markets and highlight the excellence of Korean cuisine to a global audience.