Seoul: Royal Hanok Cooking Class & Korean Lunch

Summary

Cook royal Korean dishes in a historic Seoul hanok home

You’ll cook royal Korean dishes in a real 100-year-old hanok home in central Seoul, guided by certified chefs who make every step feel possible—even if you’ve never cooked before. Taste fresh kimchi you make yourself, share lunch on bronze plates with new friends, and sip homemade makgeolli as stories unfold around you.

What’s the experience like?

Chopsticks clinked against the old bronze plates before I even realized how quiet the street outside had become. Shoes off, we padded across creaky wood floors—our host, Mina, handed me an apron and grinned when I fumbled the knot. The hanok’s beams looked older than any house I’ve ever lived in. It smelled faintly of toasted sesame and something sweet bubbling away somewhere—I think it was the makgeolli, but honestly, I’m still not sure.

Our group was small—just six of us squeezed around the kitchen table. Mina explained each step with patience (and a little teasing when my pancake stuck to the pan). She told us LA Galbi isn’t actually from LA, which made us all laugh. The fresh kimchi stung my fingers as I mixed it; Mina’s mom showed me how to fold the cabbage just right. There was this moment when sunlight hit the table and everyone just stopped talking for a second—maybe it was hunger or maybe just that feeling you get when you realize you’re somewhere special.

I didn’t expect to like mung bean jelly salad (tangpyeongchae), but it was so light and cold against the spicy food. We ate together on handmade bangjja plates, passing dishes back and forth while Mina poured makgeolli for everyone. Someone tried to say “haemul pajeon” properly—Mina laughed so hard she almost dropped her tea. After dessert (yakgwa cookies that tasted like ginger and honey), we sat around chatting about Seoul’s old neighborhoods until it was time to go. I still think about that soft afternoon light in the dining room sometimes—it felt like being let in on a family secret.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Korean royal cooking class experience

• Arrive at 100-year-old Hanok
• Meet certified culinary experts
• Learn to make Haemul-Pajeon and Tangpyeongchae
• Prepare LA Galbi and Fresh Kimchi
• Make Korean-style potato salad
• Optional: Cook Dak-galbi or Braised Tofu
• Dine on handmade Bangjja plates
• Enjoy Makgeolli and traditional desserts
• Discover cultural stories behind dishes

Top questions

Is this Seoul cooking class suitable for beginners?

Yes, no cooking skills are required. The class is designed for all levels with expert guidance.

How many people are in each class?

The class is limited to six guests for an intimate experience.

What dishes do we cook during the hanok cooking class?

You’ll prepare LA Galbi (beef ribs), fresh kimchi, haemul pajeon (seafood pancake), tangpyeongchae (mung bean jelly salad), and more.

Are vegetarian or chicken options available?

Yes, request vegetarian or chicken main dish (Dak Galbi) when booking.

Is lunch included after cooking?

Yes, you’ll enjoy your creations as lunch served on traditional bronzeware.

Where is the hanok located in Seoul?

The hanok is centrally located in Seoul with public transportation nearby.

Are drinks provided during the class?

Bottled water, coffee or tea, and freshly brewed makgeolli are included.

Can I join solo or do I need a group?

You can join solo; groups are small and friendly.

What’s included

Your day includes all cooking tools, bottled water, hands-on instruction from certified chefs inside a 100-year-old hanok home in central Seoul, plus coffee or tea, freshly brewed makgeolli with lunch on handcrafted bronzeware—and plenty of laughter around the table before heading out again.