Chronicles of Kimchi: A Cooking Class
Think you know kimchi? Think again.
We’ll start with a 30-minute guided tour of nearby Tongin Market, where you’ll get a glimpse of local life and ingredients that shape Korean home cooking. Then, step into our cozy hanok in Seochon Village for a hands-on culinary journey through the bold, spicy, and versatile world of kimchi-based dishes.
While most visitors have tried kimchi, few know how deeply it weaves into everyday Korean meals—not just as a side dish, but often as the star of the table. From bubbling stews to savory pancakes and beyond, we’ll show you how to transform this fermented staple into comforting home-cooked favorites.
No matter your cooking skill level, this class is designed to be fun, approachable, and deeply delicious. You’ll leave with simple, tasty recipes you can recreate at home—and a new appreciation for Korea’s rich culinary traditions.
Total class time is 3 hours.
Inside the Workshop
Part 1: Begin your Chronicles of Kimchi journey with a guided walk through Tongin Market, one of Seoul’s most beloved traditional markets. Located in the historic Seochon neighborhood near Gyeongbokgung Palace, Tongin Market dates back to 1941 and offers a rare glimpse into everyday Korean life. As we explore the vibrant alleys, you’ll see local vendors selling everything from seasonal produce and fermented delicacies to household goods and street food.
Part 2: After the market tour, we return to Uaa Studio to begin cooking. Using ingredients inspired by our visit to Tongin Market, you'll prepare a variety of kimchi-based dishes that showcase its versatility in Korean cuisine. This session offers a hands-on exploration of how kimchi is not just a side dish but a foundation of everyday meals. You'll learn key techniques, flavor balancing, and cultural context behind each dish.
First Dish: Baek Kimchi Pork & Veggie Rolls
Your cooking journey begins with crafting Baek Kimchi Rolls, a delicate and refreshing dish that highlights the subtle flavors of white kimchi. Rolled and plated with care, this dish offers a clean, balanced introduction to Korea’s fermented food culture. A vegetarian version is available.
Second Dish: Kimchi Pancakes (Kimchi Jeon)
In the second dish, you’ll cook Kimchi Jeon, one of Korea’s most beloved comfort foods. Crispy, savory, and deeply flavorful, these pancakes showcase how kimchi can be transformed through heat and texture. A staple in homes and markets alike, they’re quick to prepare and endlessly satisfying. A vegetarian option is available.
Final Dish: Kimchi Stew (Kimchi Jjigae)
To close the experience, you’ll prepare Kimchi Jjigae, a bold and warming stew deeply rooted in Korean home cooking. Rich, comforting, and full of depth, this dish brings together everything you’ve learned about fermentation, balance, and tradition. It’s a staple on Korean tables year-round, evolving with each family’s touch. A vegetarian version is available.
Part 3: Shared Meal with Banchan, Beverage & Dessert
After cooking, sit down to enjoy the full meal you’ve created, accompanied by a curated selection of banchan—traditional Korean side dishes that enhance and balance each bite. A refreshing beverage will be served, along with a dessert selected daily by your instructor. While not made in class, the dessert reflects seasonal ingredients and offers a sweet close to the experience. This is a time to slow down, connect, and experience the communal spirit of Korean dining.
