Learning Korean Cuisine
A Seoul cooking class teaches you to prepare Korean dishes — kimchi (the fermented vegetable dish that is the foundation of Korean food culture), bibimbap (mixed rice bowl with vegetables, meat, and gochujang chilli paste), japchae (glass noodle stir-fry), and Korean BBQ marinades. Classes typically visit a local market for ingredients, then cook 3–5 dishes in a teaching kitchen, and eat the results.
Korean cooking is defined by fermentation (kimchi, doenjang/soybean paste, gochujang/chilli paste), the balance of flavours (sweet, salty, sour, spicy, umami in every meal), and the banchan tradition (multiple small side dishes accompanying every meal — a Korean table with fewer than 5 banchan is considered incomplete).
Frequently Asked Questions
How long is a Seoul cooking class?
Typically 2.5–4 hours including a market visit, the cooking (3–5 dishes), and eating the meal.
What will I learn to cook?
Most classes cover kimchi, one main dish (bibimbap, japchae, or Korean BBQ), and 1–2 banchan. Vegetarian options are available.