Kimchi Making Class in Seoul

Kimchi Making in Seoul – What to Expect

Kimchi is one of the fundamental side dishes in Korean cuisine. Made of various fermented vegetables, Korean Kimchi has been recognized as one of the world’s superfoods thanks to its probiotic qualities. It has a delightfully spicy flavor that comes from gochugaru, ginger, and garlic.

Kimchi’s origin dates back to the era of the Three Kingdoms, around 37BC, when the process of pickling vegetables became popular due to the lack of refrigerators. Pickling was the ideal way to keep vegetables from going bad through harsh winters and keep fresh through hot summers.

Today, kimchi is still eaten with every meal and now you have the opportunity to learn to make kimchi in Seoul for yourself! One of our more popular Seoul Tours, our Kimchi cooking class is the perfect experience for foodies and those who want to discover authentic Korean culture through our food!

Kimchi Making Class Seoul – Course Overview

We will begin by picking you up from your hotel in Seoul. Upon arrival at the Kimchi class, you will be welcomed with some traditional Korean tea which will be either Yuja (citrous), Maesil (plum), or Nokcha (green tea). You will get to wear a Hanbok (traditional Korean clothes), and learn local greeting etiquette.

We can then play an old folk game and experience Kimchi making in Seoul! On our way back, we will make a quick stop at either the Amethyst or Ginseng Center. Don’t miss the opportunity to learn to make Kimchi in Seoul and indulge in a day full of excitement and cultural immersion!

Wear a Hanbok Experience – Dress to Impress

During our Kimchi Making Class in Seoul, you will have the chance to fully dive into the authentic environment by wearing a Hanbok. A Hanbok is a form of traditional Korean dress available for both men and women that dates back to the Joseon Dynasty. The attire is semi-formal and is usually worn during celebrations and festivals.

What makes Habnok really beautiful is its vibrant colors such as blue, purple, red, and gold. There are no pockets which make the dress simple and elegant.

Women wear a Chima (skirt) which is flowing and graceful, while men’s Hanboks are a bit tighter and consists of a Jeogori (upper garment) with a belt and Baji (pants). Men might also wear a Jokki (vest) and a Magoja (jacket).

On our trip, the ladies will have the chance to wear a queen’s hair style as well which is a special wig that used to be worn centuries ago. Make sure to have a camera handy to snap some fantastic holiday photos you can share with your friends and family!

Learn Korean Greeting Etiquette – A Symbol of Appreciation

South Korea is a country with strong values and traditions. Knowing how to greet one another is a sign of respect. During our Kimchi Making Class Seoul, you will be taught the proper greeting etiquette which involves a bow and a verbal greeting.

In a formal setting or when you visit someone important, the bow is a sign of respect and is deeper. In an informal setting, such as meeting a friend for a coffee, the bow is short.

When addressing people, Korean etiquette advises using their title if the occasion is formal. Some things to never do according to Korean etiquette are hugging someone when meeting for the first time, or tapping them on the back. Making direct eye contact is not advised either, as it could be perceived as a sign of disrespect especially when meeting someone older than yourself.

Play Yut Nori – An Entertaining Traditional Folk Game

Koreans like to have fun and what better way to do that, then playing a game! Yut Nori is a traditional board game that originated centuries ago. You will use a rectangular board covered in a stitched cloth that has four straight courses, two diagonal, and 29 stations. It is believed that the outer stations symbolize heaven and the inner, earth. Instead of a dice, players use Yut sticks made of firewood to move along the board.

What makes the game fun is that it can be played in teams. People usually get very excited and cheer loudly as the game progresses, which is a fantastic way to bond with your friends. Players use small tokens (mals) and whichever team completes the entire course while keeping the most mals, is the winner.

Kimchi Class – Learn to Make Kimchi in Seoul

Kimchi making in Seoul is the best way to explore traditional cuisine. On the day, you will be given all the necessary ingredients to prepare the dish. You will use cabbage – either napa, bomdong, or headed cabbage, and radish which could be ponytail, gegeol, yeolmu, or a traditional Korean radish. Some chefs like to add burdock roots, celery, cress, garlic chives, or ginger. This is why kimchi is such a versatile dish!

You will be taught the process of making kimchi which starts by slicing the cabbage and coating the pieces with salt in order to preserve it by soaking up the water inside. After the water is drained, you’ll add seasonings which could be gochugaru (chilli), garlic, ginger, and scallions. You can also use myeolchi-jeot (salted anchovies). Finally, the mixture is placed in jars where it is sealed for 24 to 48 hours at room temperature.

Our Kimchi Making Class in Seoul is the ideal opportunity to trace one of the most iconic Korean foods back to its origins and learn how to properly prepare it. Dive into tradition in vibrant Hanboks, win a game of Yut Nori, and spend an unforgettable day with your loved ones!