Kimchi Making Class with Chef Hakyung at Gyeongbokgung Palace

It was a very fun and interactive activity! The Korean nut latte is a must try! Kim is very friendly and we highly recommend this activity if you are in Seoul!

A Culinary Gem in Seoul: An Unforgettable Kimchi Experience If you’re looking for an authentic and wholesome cultural activity in Seoul, this kimchi-making experience is an absolute standout. Unlike the typical tourist traps that often feel rushed or commercialized, this workshop delivers genuine warmth, tradition, and excellent value for money. It’s not just a class; it’s a deep dive into Korean culture, led by a kind and patient host chef who truly loves what she does. The experience is a hands-on lesson where every detail of the process is carefully explained, making it enjoyable for both beginners and seasoned cooks. The chef’s passion and knowledge shine through, creating an inviting atmosphere that feels more like a family gathering than a tourist attraction. Beyond the kimchi itself, the extras are what make this a 5/5 experience. I had THE BEST tteokbokki OF MY LIFE! Their special recipe “nut coffee” is a delightful surprise—rich, smooth, and crafted with care. And let’s talk about their original honey cake: it’s pure perfection, with just the right balance of sweetness and texture. These thoughtful touches elevate the experience even further, making it feel like you’re being treated to something truly unique. Among similar experiences, this one is in a league of its own. It’s authentic, intimate, and worth every penny. If you’re in Seoul and want a taste of genuine Korean hospitality and culinary tradition, this is a must-do. Without a doubt, it’s the best of its kind—head and shoulders above its peers. Highly recommended!

Discover the Art of Kimchi: A Flavorful Dive into Korean Cuisine I recently had the opportunity to participate in a Korean cooking class centered around Kimchi, and the experience was overwhelmingly positive. The session lasted about two hours and was highly interactive and informative. The chef began with a demonstration, preparing homemade Kimchi step by step: cutting, washing, and fermenting, while explaining its history and the various types of Kimchi. She shared insights on how to adapt the recipe based on preferences, such as creating a fresher or tangier Kimchi. Her deep knowledge of Korean cuisine added immense value to the session, and she was open to answering all my questions—not just about Kimchi, but also about other Korean dishes. Before starting, she asked what I wanted to eat and began preparing a bossam dish (braised pork served with vegetables and Kimchi), which requires a long cooking time. Meanwhile, she guided me through the process of making my own Kimchi, carefully explaining and reminding me of the key steps. Once I finished preparing my Kimchi, I enjoyed the bossam that she had cooked. The dish was absolutely delicious—no complaints there. For dessert, I had vanilla ice cream paired with homemade honey cookies. While the ice cream wasn’t homemade, the cookies were outstanding. In terms of quality, the session was exceptional: a perfect balance between learning and tasting. However, I felt that the price was slightly steep, especially for someone with prior experience in Korean cuisine. For a beginner, the experience would more than justify the cost, offering a comprehensive introduction to Korean flavors and culture. In summary, this class is an excellent gateway to discovering Korean cuisine and a great opportunity for enthusiasts to deepen their culinary knowledge. Despite the slightly high price, I highly recommend this experience to anyone looking to explore or expand their understanding of Korean gastronomy.

We were looking for a Kimchi making class and came across some of the popular choices that were all sold out of slots. I came across Chef Hakyung's class on Klook and found out her studio was right across the street from where we were staying. This ended up being way better than the other options as it was super intimate (it was just my wife and I learning from Hakyung vs. taking a class with many other people). She first does a demo then has you make your own. It was very clearly prepared and explained. She has you set up with your own station with everything laid out very cleanly. She even will take a bunch of pictures and videos for you. Afterwards she cooked us Royal Tteokbokki—one of our favorite meals of our entire trip. Her studio is lovely and beautiful. We also had a very fun conversation and felt like we made a great friend. It was one of the highlights of our entire trip to Korea. She even showed us a cool souvenir shop nearby where we bought most of our souvenirs. We'll be recommending her to all of our friends who visit Korea!

We had such a wonderful time making kimchi with Chef Hakyung at her cozy studio. She is an amazing host who went the extra mile, not only guiding us through kimchi-making but also preparing delicious Korean pancakes and tteokbokki for us to enjoy. She even took us to a local market so we could see and buy authentic ingredients, which made the experience even more special. Her kimchi was absolutely delicious, and the homemade drinks were a delightful bonus! My family loved every moment of the session, and I highly recommend this fun, hands-on experience to anyone visiting Korea.

Cozy and very personalised environment. She served her homemade honey lemon tea and it was so so soothing. She is very friendly and I didn’t feel like I was in ‘class’. Her steps are so easy and she guided me well. Thankful as well that she shares those little details and was very accommodating to my questions. Im so glad that I chose her class! The best part is I get to bring back my handmade kimchi! Cant wait to dig in into it. I highly recommend her. You won’t get dissatisfied.

I highly recommend this cooking class if you are looking for cooking lessons in Seoul. Kimchi making is fun, tastes good and Chef Hakyung is super nice. The studio is very cute located nearby Gyeongbokgung Palace (make sure to turn right into the alley because map will direct you to the building complex not her shop.) Let me briefly introduce Chef Hakyung here so you know this class is legit. She majored transitional Korean cuisine and had worked in a Michelin starred restaurant and also as a chef in America consulate in Texas! We are looking foward to do her other classes in the future. Thanks Chef Hakyung. P.S. try the Korean nut latte. It’s her home recipe!

I really recommend this one for your itinerary if you go to Korea! HaKyung really nice teacher, she explained it well to us and her English also great. Since the studio near Gyeongbokgung you can strolling around after finish the class. Thank youuu

I recently had the pleasure of attending the most amazing kimchi-making class hosted by Hakyung Kim, and I can't recommend it highly enough!!! If you are in Korea, you must take this class. From start to finish, the experience was both educational and incredibly enjoyable. The instructor was a true expert, sharing not only the step-by-step process of making authentic kimchi but also the rich history and cultural significance behind this beloved Korean dish. The class began with a thorough introduction to the ingredients, many of which were new to me. The instructor took the time to explain each one, highlighting their unique flavors and health benefits. It was fascinating to learn about the different types of kimchi and how regional variations influence the taste and preparation methods. The hands-on approach allowed us to get involved right away, and the instructor was always on hand to offer guidance and answer any questions. One of the highlights of the class was the instructor also cooking a local dish that was AMAZING! It was the best meal I had the entire trip. I miss it already! With much love from Texas <3

I booked a class with Chef Kim to learn how to make kimchi. This was a very insightful class as I was able to learn many components on what makes a kimchi good. Her kimchi class was very easy to understand and simple to follow through when I made my own kimchi. She has a lot of patient and is willing to answer any questions you might have. I learned a lot on what is a must include in the kimchi process and what can be optional. I think I can make this kimchi by myself! Overall, I highly recommend her cooking class because she is a very knowledgeable person when it comes to traditional Korean food. The next time I come back to Korea , I will definitely take her class again!