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Tag: KoreanFood

  • New ‘Three Ribbon’ Restaurants in Seoul Unveiled by Blue Ribbon 2026

    The Blue Ribbon Survey, Korea’s first domestic restaurant guide, has unveiled its “Seoul’s Best Restaurants 2026,” naming six new “Three Ribbon” establishments.

    Among the honorees are modern kaiseki “Kagen,” Chef Ahn Seongjae’s “Mosu Seoul,” sushi specialty “Sosuhon,” modern Korean “Soul Dining,” high-end sushi “Hane,” and Chinese master Chef Hu Deokjook’s “Hobin.”

    This year’s rankings, determined by over 70,000 readers, now feature 43 three-ribbon restaurants, an increase of two from last year. The prestigious culinary spots in Seoul, known for their trustworthiness, maintained high ratings.

    Restaurants across various genres, including Kwonsuksoo, Muoki, Mingles, Jeong Sik Dang, and Alla Prima, once again secured places at the top of the list, demonstrating strong competitiveness in French, kaiseki, new Korean, sushi, and Chinese cuisines.

    Despite the diversity of genres, the shared standard of “highly refined dishes and stable operations” stood out in this year’s selection.

    Additionally, 10 newly recognized restaurants, including New Korean “Giwakgang” and “Mukjeong Seoul,” steakhouse “Smith & Wollensky,” dessert shop “Patisserie Mieu,” and modern Japanese “Hakushi,” reflect the changing dynamics of the food industry.

    The 2026 edition includes 1,560 restaurants in total, with a slight reduction in the overall list, but a stronger emphasis on top-ranked spots, showcasing the evolving food map of Seoul.

  • K-pop Meets Tradition: Korean Folk Village Online Store Launches

    The Korean Folk Village has officially launched its app-based online store, expanding the distribution of traditional cultural products from on-site visitors to the global digital market.

    This launch comes amid growing global interest in the fusion of K-pop and traditional culture. A direct backdrop was the popularity of Netflix’s hit KPop Demon Hunters, which seamlessly blended traditional elements with modern aesthetics.

    One notable case is the sell-out of products related to the traditional Korean hat, gat. The online store now offers a wide range of items, from Chuseok gift sets, chapssal yeot (glutinous rice taffy), and dongdongju (traditional rice wine) to practical goods, becoming a convenient gateway for global customers to experience Korean tradition.

    A Folk Village representative commented, “The synergy between K-content and traditional culture is driving explosive demand,” adding that the online store will serve as a new turning point in spreading Korean cultural heritage worldwide.

  • From Shopping Mall to Urban Playground: Seoul’s Dopamine Station Boom

    Yongsan I’Park Mall in Seoul has transformed from a simple shopping venue into a must-visit “hot place” for Gen Z and international tourists.

    Its 3rd-floor “Dopamine Station,” featuring over 200 gacha (capsule toy) machines, generates monthly sales of 300–400 million KRW, drawing up to 30,000 daily visitors during peak vacation seasons. According to the Korea Tourism Organization, it recently ranked second among Seoul’s top attractions, solidifying its reputation as a K-culture landmark.

    Branded as an “urban playground,” Dopamine Station houses unique shops such as the Nintendo Store, Crayon Shin-chan and Cardcaptor Sakura goods stores, rare plant shops, and mechanical keyboard pop-ups. Visitors can also enjoy the Kirby crane event, Nexon’s first game café, U.S. burger chain Five Guys, and a K-food restaurant inspired by Korean street food, making it equally appealing to international guests.

    Its strong SNS buzz has amplified its popularity, with official account views up 80% year-on-year and 70% of visitors in their 20s and 30s. No longer just a mall, it has become a cultural, gaming, and culinary experience space unique to Korea — and is set to continue rising as a global K-lifestyle destination.

  • Everland Brings Netflix’s “KPop Demon Hunters” to Life with New Theme Zone

    Everland, operated by Samsung C&T’s Resort Division, will open a new theme zone on September 26 inspired by Netflix’s global hit KPop Demon Hunters.

    The film, which tells the story of a K-pop girl group battling evil spirits against the backdrop of Korean landmarks, has become Netflix’s most-watched movie of all time. Everland brings the world of the film to life with a traditional hanok-style entrance, giant LED screens, and OST highlights such as “Golden” and “Soda Pop.”

    The theme zone is packed with interactive experiences. In the “Huntrix” zone, visitors can enjoy shooting games and whack-a-mole, while the “Lion Boys” zone offers OST lyric challenges and a soul-offering game. A photo zone recreating an idol stage allows fans to capture special memories, and completing stamp missions will reward guests with character-themed souvenirs.

    Food and merchandise options are equally diverse. At the “Lion Boys Snack Bar,” visitors can enjoy Korean street foods like ramen and kimbap, alongside group-themed menus and 38 limited-edition items. Notably, panda x Duffy costume dolls, as well as dedicated face-painting and dress-up areas, are expected to be especially popular with fans.