[Around the Hotels] Promotions and Packages

JW Marriott Dongdaemun Square Seoul launches ‘Sweet Moments’ experience JW Marriott Dongdaemun Square Seoul presents the “Sweet Moments” experience until May 2021. “Sweet Moments” includes one night in a Deluxe, Executive Deluxe or Executive Suite room, breakfast for two at Tavolo 24, and complimentary use of the swimming pool and fitness center.  The “Salon de Strawberry with Barbie” is also offered, which is an in-room afternoon tea set

Dec. 11, 2020

Making favorite restaurant dishes at home

Upon opening up a meal kit of spicy chicken ribs, I realized at once the cooking wouldn’t be too difficult. The chicken ribs, special sauce, vegetables, sweet potatoes and rice cakes were in separate packaging, and all were prepped for cooking. The cooking instruction on the back of the package involved putting the ingredients one by one into a pot. My family's reaction to the dish was unanimous: “This tastes just like what is sold in restaurants.” Many aspects of daily life

Dec. 9, 2020

[Diana’s Table] Persimmon citrus salad

Persimmon is a fruit that signals the coming of winter in Korea. The name persimmon means “divine fruit” and it is commonly grown in East Asia, mostly China, Japan and Korea. The fruit matures late in the fall but can stay on the tree until winter. In fact, you may frequently see a bare persimmon tree with only its fruits on the branches. It can be eaten raw, dried, cooked or even frozen. When eaten fresh and ripe, it is sweet and mellow. It has a unique and slippery texture and i

Dec. 5, 2020

[Around the Hotels] Promotions and Packages

The Plaza presents ‘Bulmung’ package The Plaza of Hanwha Hotels & Resorts is offering the “Bulmeong” package for guests looking to rest at the hotel’s suite equipped with a fireplace. Bulmeong, combining “bul,” meaning fire, and daydream -- “meong” -- means to find rest in difficult times. The package comes with a one-night stay at the hotel’s signature suite with an electronic fireplace, a bottle of wine and use of the club loung

Dec. 4, 2020

Protein-centric salads at Orora

It started with burgers, but warm salads could very well be a stand-out addition to the menu at Orora -- a burger and salad restaurant that opened in September. “Initially, I ran a burger joint but when I moved to the Apgujeong Rodeo area, I added salads,” Orora Burger and Salad owner-chef Cho Kyung-wook, 29, said in an email interview. “I went and checked out the salad spots that were doing well in the market, but in my opinion there was too little protein and the salads a

Nov. 28, 2020

[Around the Hotels] Promotions and Packages

Grand InterContinental Seoul Parnas presents holiday cakes by NY patissier Grand Deli located on the ground floor of Grand InterContinental Seoul Parnas in Samseong-dong is offering holiday cakes that will lift the festive mood of Christmas and year-end home parties for a limited time only from Tuesday to Dec. 31. These are all available for reservation from Nov. 25. Head patissier Eric P. Kalaboke from New York recommends three varieties for this year-end season: the Pine Tree Cake with a C

Nov. 27, 2020

[Weekender] When the going gets tough, the tough deliver

In a year that has witnessed the COVID-19 pandemic disrupt lives and devastate economies around the world, Korea has sought innovations to meet the challenges posed by the COVID-19 pandemic. The following is the second article of a four-part series on how Korea is creating a new normal during the pandemic, produced in partnership with The Korea Foundation -- Ed. When asked about his diet during live streaming on VLive in June last year, pop sensation BTS member Jungkook said it was not easy

Nov. 26, 2020

[Diana’s Table] Shrimp wrap with spicy mustard dressing

This is my interpretation of a traditional Korean dish called chilled shrimp salad with seasonal vegetables. Usually, shrimp is mixed with cut bamboo shoots, Asian pears, cucumbers and jellyfish. Depending on the availability of seasonal vegetables, we add carrots, bell peppers or mushrooms. As shrimp is considered an expensive delicacy, it is a popular dish for special occasions such as birthdays and holidays. As a chilled dish, it is usually served in the summer. But, I like to make this di

Nov. 21, 2020

Gaon, La Yeon keep Michelin stars

Michelin Guide Seoul’s fifth edition was released on Thursday as star revelation ceremony took place online with all the honored chefs joining a conference call. Michelin said it wanted to host an extravagant event for the fifth anniversary, but the pandemic situation made it necessary for the chefs to receive the awards separately by a Michelin official at each restaurant. The event started out with a video showing the efforts of chefs around the world supporting medical staff and commun

Nov. 21, 2020

[Around the Hotels] Promotion and Packages

Shinsegae Chosun Hotel X L’Escape Hotel offer ‘Romantic Mood’ package Shinsegae Chosun Hotel in central Seoul’s Jung-gu has collaborated with L’Escape Hotel to offer the Romantic Mood package for guests who want to spend a romantic night during the holiday season. Guests using the package will be offered a special dim sum meal, depending on the room type, at the Palais de Chine in L’Escape Hotel. The package also comes with complimentary use of the library

Nov. 20, 2020

Bunker Company brings its brews to Seoul

Anaerobic fermentation, a fairly new form of coffee processing, can truly wow with its bold and memorable flavor profile when well executed from farm to cup. Bunker Company’s Costa Rica Cordillera de Fuego is one such example. There is that initial, irresistible funk characteristic of fermented coffee followed by fragrant and rich notes of cinnamon and cacao nibs. “Usually there are three types of coffee processing -- washed, pulped and natural,” Bunker Company CEO Park

Nov. 14, 2020

Michelin Guide Seoul shares Bib Gourmand Seoul list

Ahead of the official release of the Michelin Guide Seoul’s fifth edition on Nov. 19, the arbiter of culinary taste shared a list of 60 Bib Gourmand restaurants in Seoul. According to the company, Bib Gourmand highlights restaurants offering “exceptionally good food at moderate prices.” The price range depends on local economic standards. The maximum price for the Bib Gourmand Seoul edition is 45,000 won ($40.34) this year. There are four new entries this year: vegetarian

Nov. 13, 2020

[Around the Hotels] Promotions and Packages

  Enjoy ‘One Suite Day’ at Seoul Dragon City Hotel multiplex Seoul Dragon City in Yongsan, Seoul, offers the One Suite Day package for those who want to have a private party. The package, accommodating up to three people, comes with a one-night stay in a suite decorated with balloons, a bottle of sparkling wine, whipped cream cake and diverse choice of foods, like macarons and smoked salmon to complement the wine. Complimentary use of the hotel facilities such as the swimming

Nov. 13, 2020

[Diana’s Table] Fried chicken wings with ginger soy sauce

I start this series with my favorite fried chicken recipe because people of all ages love it. Anything fried just tastes better, but it is more than that. Fried chicken is arguably one of the most popular comfort foods around the world and it brings back childhood memories of good times shared with close friends and family. There are many different ways to fry chicken and I am sure that everyone has their own favorite family recipes. You may like it hot and spicy or you may prefer it sweet a

Nov. 8, 2020

[Around the Hotels] Promotions and Packages

JW Marriott Seoul offers guests Thai experience JW Marriott Hotel Seoul introduces a taste of Thai luxury resort culture with the Enjoy Khao Lak in Seoul promotion through the end of the year. Upon arrival, guests will be greeted by associates dressed in traditional Thai dress, offering greetings in Thai. The package includes a Thai-style snack and beer served in a Thai design-themed guest room, while guests are also offered aroma mist and hand cream by Sabai-arom, a wellness brand based on n

Nov. 6, 2020

[Weekender] Red, white and rose chase coronavirus blues away

In South Korea, wine has long been largely considered a drink for the well-off, with Korean distilled alcohol soju and beer being more popular choices for dinner. But with the nationwide stay-at-home policies this year, combined with the coronavirus blues, more people are seeking the kind of excitement that the fruity alcoholic drinks can offer. With the growing popularity of imported wine -- mostly affordable wines from ever-diversifying regions, including Eastern Europe -- a major shift in K

Oct. 31, 2020

[Around the Hotels] Promotions and Packages

Andaz Seoul Gangnam launches ‘Guy’s Night Out’ package Andaz Seoul Gangnam is offering a safe stay-in package until Feb. 28 called Guy’s Night Out. The Guy’s Night Out package offers a one-night stay in an Andaz Suite, a Drink Basket and Hangover Room Service. The Drink Basket comes with French vodka Grey Goose, four bottles of beer, four bottles of a hangover-helper drink and french fries. Hangover Room Service consists of seafood ramen with fresh abalone, Andaz

Oct. 30, 2020

Beloved sandwich shop moves to new Seongsu-dong perch

On a quiet weekday, before noon, Mia Nonna, the beloved sandwich shop that recently moved to Seoul’s Seongsu-dong, is a peaceful and inviting space. Tall, tall walls are awash in soft, beige pink and ceiling length windows let the autumn sunshine filter in. Several outdoor tables welcome those who want to enjoy the fall foliage while munching on sandwiches and sipping from steaming mugs of hot coffee. “I deliberately used indi pink and wood tones to warm up the space because I

Oct. 24, 2020

[Around the Hotels] Promotion and packages

InterContinental presents Halloween Special　 Grand InterContinental Seoul Parnas and InterContinental Seoul COEX in Samseong-dong offer horror-themed Halloween desserts for the Halloween season. Deli of Grand InterContinental Seoul Parnas presents horror-themed Halloween desserts prepared by patissier Eric Kalaboke from New York. Five types of desserts, Halloween Chocolate Cake decorated as a skull, Pumpkin Tart, Mummy Cake Slice, a pumpkin-shaped Pumpkin Mousse Cake Slice and Ghost Hot Chocol

Oct. 23, 2020

[Around the Hotels] Promotions and Packages

Multi-resort complex Jeju Shinhwa World offers two packages for autumn season Jeju Shinhwa World offers the Poolside Picnic Package and the Lounge & Cozy Package for travelers going to Jeju Island. The Poolside Picnic Package comes with a one-night stay at the Marriott Resort, premium breakfast for two at Sky on 5 Dining restaurant, a special chicken-and-beer set at the poolside cafe and free use of the guest room minibar. The package is available until Dec. 29 for 230,000 won. The Lounge

Oct. 16, 2020