The South Korean Government has spent more than 100 million of dollars in an attempt to globalize their cuisine and make it one of the “top 10” cuisines in the world. They even started a “Korean Food Globalization Foundation” to assist in their efforts. As Korea is becoming a popular tourist destination, it would make sense to incorporate culinary tourism into their globalization endeavors. Is Korea ready to welcome tourists whose main purpose is the food? Not from what we have seen. As an operator of a cooking school and a food tour company in Seoul, there are many issues with the tourism because of outdated laws and a lack of infrastructure. Also, many local Korean restaurants are closing because of rising rents and ingredient costs. If efforts are not made to help preserve the Korean food culture, there won’t be much left to globalize nor restaurants to serve the food tourists have traveled to taste. The confusion on culinary tourism isn’t just in Korea, but worldwide as even the ma...

Yay! Our food tours were featured in one of Korea's top newspapers stating that we are helping to revitalize the traditional markets.

Korean food has become popular world wide. Galbi, bibimbap, and kimchi jjigae have become terms known by Korean food connoisseurs as well as casual fans alike. One of the reasons for the success of Korean food is that it is generally well suited for taste buds all across the globe. There’s a wide variety that most anyone will enjoy. But Korean food is more than just bibimbap and kimchi. There’s a whole range of food that most non-Korean’s have never even heard about. And there’s good reason. Here’s a list of 5 Korean foods for the brave. Whether it be because of taste, smell, texture, or spiciness, these bizarre Korean foods are on the extreme end of the spectrum, so much that even some Koreans won’t eat these! Read on to see if you’re game! Beongdegi (번데기) (photo credit: http://maskfighter23.blogspot.com/) This is by far one of the most visually weirdest foods Korea has to offer. Mostly found in markets or vendors at parks, the culture around eating this odd Korean food can be likened...

I love cockles. Especially when they are freshly streamed with a seasoned soy sauce. Here is a shot I took while at the fish market.

I am happy to announce that Keith Kim of Seoulistic has decided to join Seoul Eats and he has given permission to link over some of the articles he has written. Follow him at  http://seoulistic.com/ Thanks Keith, Dan Galbi restaurants in Korea are on nearly every block — there’s always someplace for Korean BBQ lovers. It’s hard to choose, so why not go with the crowd. Check out some of Seoul’s most famous and popular galbi restaurants according to Korean bloggers. You might have to wait on a few lines, but that just reaffirms you’re eating at some of the best galbi restaurants in Seoul! (Click pictures for sources)   Mapo Sutbul Galbi (마포숯불갈비) in Nonhyun-dong (논현동) This 24-hour galbi restaurant, located in the ever so trendy Nonhyun area (near Apgujeong), is a favorite for Korean drama or movie superstars. Tables are commonly reserved for celebrations by Korean drama or movie crews after they successfully complete their projects. Walls are plastered with pictures of Korean celebrit...

Back in University, I was a writer and a creative spirit. Really, believe me. I even majored in creative writing, had a Bob Marley Rasta Hat and I was the President of Sigma Tau Delta (I know...STD), the English Honor Society. I wrote a few plays back in the day and even had some performed. I was also a poetry teacher and I spend long afternoons jazzed out on espresso. Now I am in food , but I still get the urge to be creative. I think that my creative energy has helped me in my present career (even though I wish I took a few business classes). These days, I am being creative again and I am happy to reveal our first new project. These are called ice breaker shirts and they have pictures of Korean food so travelers can wear something stylish and maybe they can ask Korean people about where they can find the food. We were able to find a talented local artist to make the icons and we are looking to start making them soon.  If you would like to donate to the project, we would really apprec...