Koodeep

Netflix’s Culinary Class Wars brings together elite “White Spoon” chefs and rising challengers, showing how creative and competitive Korean cuisine has become. Naturally, many viewers ask:

Where do these chefs actually cook — and can you eat there?

Here is a practical guide to the main White Spoon chefs featured on the show, what their restaurants are like, and how much you can expect to spend if you’re planning a special meal in Seoul.

1. Chef Jun Lee — Soigné (Michelin Two-Star)

Location: Sinsa-dong, Gangnam
Michelin: 2 Stars
Price: Lunch mid-200,000 KRW / Dinner high-300,000 KRW

Soigné is one of Korea’s most respected fine-dining destinations. Chef Jun Lee builds tasting menus around seasonality and storytelling, creating courses that feel thoughtful and precise. It is considered one of the top fine-dining experiences in the country — but booking requires serious advance planning.

2. Chef Son Jong-won — Eatanic Garden & L’Amant Secret

Eatanic Garden (Chosun Palace Hotel, Gangnam)

Michelin: 1 Star
Price: Lunch mid-200,000 KRW / Dinner high-300,000 KRW

A polished, elegant hotel restaurant with refined plates and a luxurious atmosphere. Ideal for travelers looking for a formal dining experience with impressive presentation.

L’Amant Secret (Hoehyeon / Myeongdong area)

Michelin: 1 Star
Price: roughly mid-100,000 to high-200,000 KRW

A little more approachable in price while still offering sophisticated multi-course menus. A great way to experience Chef Son’s culinary style without the highest tier hotel pricing.

3. Chef Kim Hee-eun — Soul (Michelin One-Star)

Location: Haebangchon, Yongsan
Michelin: 1 Star
Price: Lunch high-100,000 KRW / Dinner high-200,000 KRW

Soul helped transform Haebangchon into a serious dining neighborhood. The restaurant reinterprets Korean ingredients in modern, beautifully plated courses. It’s an excellent choice if you want to experience contemporary Korean cuisine rooted in local produce.

4. Chef Kim Sung-woon — Table For Four

Location: Hannam-dong
Michelin: 1 Star
Price: Lunch mid-100,000 KRW / Dinner mid-200,000 KRW

Table For Four blends comfort and refinement. The dishes show careful technique while remaining warm and approachable. Because the restaurant is popular and gained even more attention from the show, reservations disappear fast — plan ahead.

5. Chef Jung Ho-young — Kaden

Location: Yeonhui-dong
Price: typically 50,000–150,000 KRW per person

Kaden is more casual than many fine-dining tasting rooms, which is exactly why people love it. Even before the show, long waits were common. Now, demand is even stronger. Expect satisfying, well-crafted dishes at a friendlier price point than Michelin tasting menus.

6. Chef Sam Kim — Multiple Italian Restaurants

Restaurants:
• Trattoria Sam Kim (Gangnam) — around mid-100,000 KRW
• Osteria Sam Kim (Mapo) — usually under 100,000 KRW

Sam Kim is widely known for approachable, flavorful Italian cooking. His restaurants range from casual pasta-friendly spots to more refined courses, making them great options for anyone wanting chef-driven cuisine without ultra-luxury pricing or formality.

Final Thoughts

Culinary Class Wars showcases just how diverse Korean dining has become — from Michelin-level tasting menus to creative, accessible restaurants shaped by passionate chefs.

If you’re planning a food trip to Seoul:

1. Reserve early (some places book out months in advance).
2. Consider weekday lunches if dinners are unavailable.
3. Check price ranges beforehand — tasting menus can run long and feel like an experience rather than a quick meal.

If you’re visiting Seoul and want to experience the city the way locals do, try going for a run — and there is no better place than Namsan. The mountain rises right in the middle of the city, offering shaded paths, steady climbs, and sweeping skyline views around the famous N Seoul Tower.

But here’s what makes Namsan especially runner-friendly:
Seoul operates a dedicated Namsan Runner Shower Room — clean, safe, and completely free. It turns Namsan into one of the most convenient urban running spots anywhere in Asia.

1. What is the Namsan Runner Shower Room?

The Namsan Runner Shower Room is a public facility designed specifically for runners who start or finish their workout on Namsan.

• Name: Namsan Runner Shower Room
• Location: Seoul Jungbu Park & Leisure Center, 1st floor
  (중구 삼일대로 231 — “남산 러너샤워장”)
• Hours: 6:30 a.m. – 10:00 p.m., every day
• Price: Completely free

Think of it as a runner’s base camp: come in, change, run the mountain, shower, and continue your day exploring Seoul.

2. What’s inside?

The facility is simple but thoughtfully equipped:

• Free lockers for storing your belongings
• Soap and hair dryers provided
• Staff present during operating hours, which makes the space feel safe and monitored

What you still need to bring yourself:

• Shampoo or face wash as you need
• Your own towel
• Any personal toiletries

It’s practical, clean, and designed with frequent runners in mind — both locals and visitors.

3. How to enter: QR access via Naver

Access is controlled for safety. To enter, you:

1. Open the Naver app
2. Generate the entrance QR pass
3. Scan it at the door

If you don’t use Naver often, set it up in advance — it only takes a minute, and the instructions at the entrance are clear.

Staff can also guide with basic English you if you’re unsure.

4. Why runners love Namsan

Namsan offers a running experience you don’t find in most big cities:

• Gradual uphill routes perfect for training
• Forested paths shaded year-round
• Multiple route options depending on fitness level
• Iconic views of Seoul at various lookout points

You can run early in the morning, shower, and be ready for coffee or sightseeing within minutes — all without returning to your hotel.

5. Tips for first-time Namsan runners

• Go early or late afternoon for cooler temperatures during Summer
• Bring water, especially on longer loops
• Expect climbs — this is hill training, not flat jogging
• Respect quiet areas, since locals also walk and exercise here

And don’t worry — you’ll see many Koreans walking, jogging, and training. Namsan is part of the city’s everyday rhythm.

Final thoughts

For travelers who love running, Namsan is the perfect mix of nature, city scenery, and challenge. And with the Namsan Runner Shower Room offering free lockers and showers, it’s easier than ever to combine training with sightseeing.

If you plan to run Namsan during your trip, tell me when you’re going and where you’re staying — I can suggest the best trail routes and nearby cafés to recover afterward.

1. Why this guide matters — cold weather, colds, and unexpected visits

As the weather gets colder in Korea, more people find themselves dealing with colds, sore throats, allergies, and seasonal flu. For locals, visiting a neighborhood clinic is simple. But for foreigners, the health system can feel unfamiliar — different language, new procedures, unfamiliar signs.

So a common question appears:

How do I see a doctor in Korea if I don’t speak Korean?

The reassuring part is this: Korea’s healthcare system is fast, organized, and surprisingly easy to use — even with limited Korean. This guide walks you through exactly what to do.

2. Where to go first: clinics vs hospitals

In Korea, you usually start with a local clinic (의원 / uui-won) instead of a big hospital.

• Local clinics
  Best for everyday illnesses: colds, flu, infections, allergies, stomach problems, minor injuries. They are quick and inexpensive.
• General hospitals (종합병원 / jong-hap-byeong-won)
  Used when you need more specialized treatment or tests.
• University or national hospitals
  Reserved for complex or serious cases. Expect longer waits and appointments.

When unsure, start with a clinic. If something requires advanced care, the clinic doctor will refer you.

3. How to find an English-friendly clinic

You don’t have to guess — there are reliable ways to search:

• Google Maps, Naver Maps, or Kakao Maps (search “Englich speaking clinic” or “외국인 병원”)
• Search “international clinic” in your city
• Ask your hotel, university office, or employer — they often know English-friendly doctors
• Larger hospitals often run International Patient Centers specifically for foreigners

And here is a practical tip:
areas with many foreigners — such as Hongdae, Itaewon and Gangnam — tend to have clinics more accustomed to English-speaking patients, making them good starting points if you feel unsure.

If communication becomes difficult, most clinics are comfortable using translation apps.

4. What to bring

Bring these if you can:

• Passport or Alien Registration Card (ARC)
• Korean National Health Insurance card, if you have coverage
• A list or photos of your medications
• Allergy information

Even without insurance, treatment is typically far cheaper than in many Western countries — you’ll simply pay the full cost.

5. What happens inside the clinic: step by step

A typical visit looks like this:

1. Check in at the reception desk
2. Fill out a short form about symptoms and your information
3. Wait 5–20 minutes
4. Meet the doctor
5. Pay at the front desk
6. Take your prescription to the pharmacy next door

Most clinics have pharmacies right nearby, often in the same building.

6. Useful Korean phrases for the doctor

Short phrases help a lot:

• 감기 걸린 것 같아요. (gam-gi geol-lin geot ga-ta-yo)
  I think I have a cold.
• 알레르기가 있어요. (al-le-reu-gi-ga i-sseo-yo)
  I have allergies.
• 열이 있어요. (yeo-ri i-sseo-yo)
  I have a fever.
• 여기가 아파요. (yeo-gi-ga a-pa-yo)
  This part hurts.
• 번역 앱 사용해도 될까요? (beon-yeok app sa-yong-hae-do doel-kka-yo?)
  Can I use a translation app?

Doctors are very used to translation tools — feel free to ask.

7. Prescriptions and pharmacies

After the consultation, you will receive a printed prescription. Bring it to the pharmacy.

In Korea, pharmacies often pack medication into clearly labeled doses (morning, afternoon, evening), making it easy to follow instructions even without English.

If needed, ask:

• 영어 설명 가능해요? (yeong-eo seol-myeong ga-neung-hae-yo?)
  Can you explain in English?

Many pharmacists will provide at least simple guidance in English.

8. Costs: what to expect

With National Health Insurance:

• 5,000–20,000 KRW for most clinic visits, plus medication

Without insurance:

• Usually 30,000–70,000 KRW, depending on treatment and tests

Overall, Korean healthcare remains relatively affordable compared with many countries.

9. Emergency situations

Go straight to the ER (응급실 / eung-geup-sil) if you experience:

• Severe trouble breathing
• High persistent fever
• Chest pain
• Serious injury

Emergency numbers in Korea:

• 112 — police
• 119 — ambulance / fire

You can ask for English assistance through emergency services.

10. Final thoughts: don’t let language stop you

Seeing a doctor in Korea without speaking Korean may feel stressful, but the reality is encouraging: clinics are efficient, staff are familiar with foreign patients, and translation tools bridge most communication gaps.

The key message is simple:

If you feel unwell, don’t hesitate to go. Help is accessible — even without Korean.

If you’d like, I can now create a follow-up post such as:

• “How to buy medicine at a Korean pharmacy”
• “How Korean hospitals and referrals work”

“Do Koreans still eat dogs?”
This question appears often online, and the answer requires context. Yes — dog meat existed historically in Korea, but modern Korean society has changed dramatically. Today, dog consumption has declined sharply, especially among younger generations, and new laws are rapidly bringing the practice to an official end.

To understand how we got here, it’s helpful to look at three phases: the past, the social changes since the 1980s, and what is happening now with Korea’s dog-meat ban.

1. Why did dog-eating become part of Korean culture in the past?

Historically, Korea was an agricultural society that experienced frequent food shortages. Meat was not always easy to access, and refrigeration technology did not exist.

In this context, dog meat became:

• A supplementary protein source during scarce seasons
• A dish associated with strength, stamina, and “restoring energy” especially during hot and humid summer seasons
• A product raised locally in rural areas

Unlike in some Western cultures, dogs historically had different roles — working animals, guards, and livestock — and not only as household companions.

So yes, in earlier decades, dog meat existed as part of daily survival culture in certain regions, particularly among older male communities.

2. After the 1980s, everything changed: food abundance and the rise of pets

From the 1980s onward, Korea underwent rapid economic growth. At the same time, society changed in three fundamental ways.

First, other meats became widely available — pork, chicken, and beef became affordable everyday foods. There was simply no practical need for dog meat anymore.

Second, urbanization shifted social life. More people lived in apartments, fewer lived on farms, and dogs increasingly moved indoors — as companions, not livestock.

Third, pet culture spread quickly. Veterinarians, pet cafés, grooming shops, and adoption awareness grew. Young people now speak of dogs as “family members.”

As a result, consumption declined steadily. Surveys consistently show:

• Younger Koreans rarely — or never — eat dog meat
• Many view it as outdated, uncomfortable, or ethically unacceptable

In modern Korea, especially among people in their 20s and 30s, dogs are overwhelmingly seen as pets, companions, and emotional partners — not food.

3. The dog-meat ban: how fast the industry is disappearing today

The final phase is happening right now.

Korea enacted the Special Act on Ending Dog Meat Consumption (“개식용종식법”), designed to phase out breeding, slaughter, and distribution of dogs for food. Since the law began, closures have accelerated far faster than expected.

According to government data:

• Since implementation, 78% of dog-breeding farms have already closed by the end of 2025
• Over 390,000 dogs formerly raised for meat are no longer in farms
• Farms originally scheduled to close in 2026–2027 shut down early because of incentives and shifting public attitudes

The government is:

• Providing compensation and transition loans
• Helping farmers move to other livestock businesses
• Preventing farms from restarting operations

If current trends continue, authorities expect complete termination by February 2027 — ahead of schedule.

In short: the industry is vanishing rapidly, not expanding.

Final answer: So… do Koreans still eat dogs?

Here is the clearest way to summarize:

• Historically: yes, dog meat existed, influenced by scarcity and tradition.
• Since the 1980s: consumption declined sharply as Korea modernized, pet culture spread, and alternative foods became common.
• Today: the practice is nearly gone, especially among younger generations, and new laws are actively bringing it to a rapid end.

Most Koreans — especially younger people — now see dogs as companions, family members, and pets, not food. The remaining businesses tied to dog meat are closing, supported by transition programs and driven by changing social values.

So, when someone asks, “Do Koreans still eat dogs?” the honest answer is:

Korea once had a dog-eating tradition, but modern Korean society has largely moved past it — and the practice is now disappearing for good.

Korea has introduced a new foreign-visitor rail product called KORAIL PASS PLUS. It combines unlimited long-distance train travel with the convenience of a rechargeable transit card you can tap on subways, buses, taxis, and even at convenience stores.

At the same time, travelers hear a lot about Seoul’s Climate Card, which offers unlimited local transportation inside the city. So which one should you choose? And when does the rail pass truly become cheaper than simply buying KTX tickets as you go?

1. What is KORAIL PASS PLUS?

KORAIL PASS PLUS merges two products into one physical IC card:

• Unlimited rides on KORAIL trains (including KTX) for 2–5 consecutive days
• A prepaid transit card you can load and use on subways, buses, taxis, and selected shops

You first buy the regular KORAIL Pass, then pay KRW 8,000 to upgrade to KORAIL PASS PLUS. Pick up the card at kiosks in airports or major KTX stations, load money, and start traveling.

Adult prices for the rail portion:
2-day: 131,000 KRW
3-day: 186,000 KRW
4-day: 234,000 KRW
5-day: 275,000 KRW

It also comes with a traditional taegeuk design, so many travelers keep it as a souvenir.

2. Does it beat buying normal KTX tickets? Let’s calculate.

Typical one-way KTX fares (approximate, adult, standard seat):

• Seoul → Busan: ~59,000 KRW
• Busan → Daegu (Dongdaegu Stn): ~18,000 KRW
• Daegu → Gyeongju (Singyeongju Stn): ~13,000 KRW
• Gyeongju → Seoul: ~47,000 KRW

Total: about 137,000 KRW

Compare that to the rail pass:

• 3-day KORAIL Pass: 186,000 KRW
• 4-day KORAIL Pass: 234,000 KRW
  (+ 8,000 KRW only if you want the PLUS transit-card upgrade)

For this itinerary alone, ordinary KTX tickets are actually cheaper.

So when does the pass start winning?

3. When does KORAIL PASS PLUS become the better deal?

Think in terms of total KTX rides, especially long-distance ones.

For a 3-day trip

If you expect 5 or more KTX rides, particularly with at least one long stretch like Seoul–Busan,
KORAIL PASS PLUS can become financially competitive.

For a 4-day trip

If your plan involves 7 or more KTX rides,
the 4-day version generally starts to outperform individual ticket purchases.

In other words, the more cities you add — and the faster you move — the more the pass makes sense.

4. Where does the Climate Card fit in?

The Climate Card focuses on unlimited local transit in and around Seoul and metropolitan area:

• Unlimited subway rides
• Unlimited bus rides
• Predictable daily transportation costs

(If you want a deeper walkthrough of how the Climate Card works, how to buy it, and whether it’s worth it for short-term visitors, take a look at our detailed guide here: How to Use Seoul’s Climate Card (기후동행카드)as a Foreigner: A Practical Guide for Seoul tourists – Koodeep)

If your itinerary is mostly palaces, neighborhoods, markets, museums, and cafe hopping inside Seoul, you will likely tap dozens of times per day. In that scenario, the Climate Card is extremely cost-effective.

5. The honest downside of KORAIL PASS PLUS

Owning the pass does not guarantee you a seat on every train you want.

Popular segments — for example:

• Saturday morning
• Seoul → Busan
• Peak travel seasons or holidays

often sell out early.

If you issue the pass and try to reserve seats right before departure, it may be difficult. For travelers who have strict schedules, this matters.

KORAIL PASS PLUS is best when:

• You have flexibility in departure times
• You do not insist on peak-hour trains
• You can travel more often on weekdays than weekends

If your schedule is tight, sometimes booking a few key KTX tickets in advance (instead of relying only on the pass) is safer.

6. Simple decision guide

Staying mostly in Seoul

Choose Climate Card.
Unlimited local rides usually give more value than a rail pass you barely use.

Traveling across multiple cities quickly

Choose KORAIL PASS PLUS.
Unlimited KTX rides are the real advantage, and the card still works on city transit.

Mixing Seoul sightseeing with only one or two KTX trips

Consider buying regular KTX tickets + Climate Card.
That combination can easily be cheaper.

Final takeaway

• 3-day itinerary: If you expect 5 or more KTX rides, KORAIL PASS PLUS starts to make sense.
• 4-day itinerary: If you expect 7 or more KTX rides, the rail pass often becomes the more economical option.

But if your trip revolves mainly around exploring Seoul’s neighborhoods and attractions, the Climate Card quietly wins by keeping public transportation unlimited and simple.

Plan your route first, count your inter-city rides, and then choose. That small step often makes the difference between overspending and traveling smarter — which is exactly what Koodeep aims to help with.

If you’ve ever wondered what winter in Korea really feels like — not just from city streets but out on a frozen river, surrounded by laughter, bright lights, and steaming grilled fish — the Hwacheon Sancheoneo Ice Festival is where it all comes together. Held every January in Gangwon Province, this festival turns bitter cold into pure fun. Instead of hiding indoors, people bundle up, step onto the ice, and discover how winter becomes a celebration here.

Below is a traveler-friendly guide to what you can expect — and how to make the most of it.

1. Festival overview — when, where, and why it’s special
Every winter, the clear river running through Hwacheon freezes thick enough to become a giant outdoor playground. In 2026, the festival runs from January 10 to February 1, spreading across the Hwacheoncheon river area. The clean water, heavy snow, and naturally cold climate create conditions perfect for ice activities. What makes this festival special is its hands-on nature: instead of just watching performances, you’re encouraged to participate — drill, fish, slide, explore, and eat.
Traveler tip: Hwacheon is colder than Seoul. Bring thermal socks, hand warmers, and waterproof boots. Arrive early in the morning for lighter crowds and better photos.

2. Ice fishing — the signature experience (and lunch!)
Visitors drill small holes into the frozen river and try to catch sancheoneo (mountain trout) swimming below. The anticipation is half the fun — fingers numb from the cold, everyone cheering when a fish finally jumps out of the water. You can participate through on-site registration or pre-booked programs, and it’s suitable for both adults and children. Even better, the fish you catch can be grilled, fried, or made into sashimi right on site.
Traveler tip: Gloves with good grip help. Ask whether your ticket includes fishing gear rental. If you catch fish, head to the nearby grilling booths — they’ll handle the rest.

3. More than fishing — sleds, slides, ice sports, and pure winter energy
All across the festival grounds, activity zones turn the ice into a playground. Kids and adults jump onto traditional sleds, snow tubing hills, ice soccer fields, ice bobsled tracks, and even giant slides like the “Ice Bear Castle.” These aren’t just children’s attractions — you’ll see entire families racing, laughing, and filming videos together.
Traveler tip: Check the posted age/height signs at each zone. Popular rides can get busy; visit right after opening time or before closing for shorter waits.

4. Ice sculpture plaza — winter art you can walk through
Another highlight is the ice sculpture square, where towering blocks of ice become castles, world landmarks, animals, and characters. Under the sunlight (and especially under night lighting), the sculptures glow in surreal colors. It’s one of the most photogenic corners of the festival, and you’ll see plenty of visitors posing with their phones ready.
Traveler tip: Keep your phone warm inside your pocket between photos — batteries drain fast in sub-zero weather.

5. Family-friendly spaces, food stalls, and cozy local life
Hwacheon keeps things welcoming for families: safe play zones, rest areas, and easy-to-find food stalls selling warm soups, snacks, and local specialties. Many families turn the day into a picnic — catching trout, grilling it together, then exploring the snow playgrounds. Souvenir shops also feature regional products, perfect for gifts.
Traveler tip: Bring wet wipes, tissues, and a small backpack. Outdoor eating is fun, but a bit messy when gloves and sauce get involved.

6. Nighttime atmosphere — lights, quiet snow, and even night fishing
When the sun sets, the frozen river transforms again. Festival lights reflect on the ice, children hold small heaters, and in some areas night fishing opens — peaceful, slightly mysterious, and unforgettable. The cold sharpens the senses, but the mood becomes warm and almost festive.
Traveler tip: Dress in layers and consider renting a portable hand warmer from vendors if available.

7. Easy packages and shuttle buses from major cities
For visitors unfamiliar with rural transit, package tours are convenient. Many include round-trip shuttle buses from Seoul, festival admission, fishing tools, and sometimes ride tickets — making the day simple and stress-free. Because the festival is seasonal, services are designed specifically for first-timers.
Traveler tip: Book earlier on weekends. Weekdays are quieter and often cheaper.

8. Nearby winter scenery — extend your day trip
Beyond the festival, Hwacheon offers calm countryside walks and snow-covered landscapes. Nearby spots such as Gugok Falls become beautiful winter viewpoints, giving you time to slow down after the excitement.
Traveler tip: If you’re renting a car, check road conditions. Mountain roads can be icy after sunset.

Takeaway

The Hwacheon Sancheoneo Ice Festival isn’t just about fishing — it’s about discovering how Koreans transform deep winter into play, family time, and shared laughter. With frozen-river adventures, warm food, sparkling sculptures, night lights, and easy shuttle access, it delivers one of Korea’s most memorable seasonal experiences. If you’re visiting Korea in January, bundle up, step onto the ice, and let this unique festival show you how magical winter in Korea can be.