Royal Seoul Cooking Class in a 100-Year-Old Hanok

If you’re curious about Korean food and want to learn more than just how to cook it, this Royal Seoul Cooking Class offers a delightful peek into Korea’s culinary soul. Hosted in a beautifully preserved Hanok that’s over a century old, you’ll get to explore traditional recipes and dining customs in a setting brimming with history and charm.

Some of the standout highlights include the opportunity to cook iconic dishes like LA Galbi and Kimchi, the chance to dine on handcrafted Bangjja bronzeware, and the intimate atmosphere with a maximum of six guests. Plus, you’ll enjoy stories behind each dish, making the experience both educational and delicious.

The only real consideration is that this class isn’t suitable for children under 10, and it’s best to arrive prepared for a cozy, home-like environment. This experience is ideal for food lovers, culture enthusiasts, or anyone looking for a meaningful, hands-on way to spend an afternoon in Seoul.

Key Points

• Intimate group size ensures personalized attention and a friendly atmosphere
• Authentic setting in a 100-year-old Hanok near Gyeongbokgung Palace
• Learn to prepare iconic Korean dishes like LA Galbi and Kimchi
• Enjoy a traditional Korean meal served on handcrafted bronzeware
• Guided by certified chefs with a focus on traditional techniques made simple
• Cultural stories and history behind each dish enhance the experience

You can check availability for your dates here:

What makes this cooking class special?

This experience is a rare chance to step into a well-preserved Hanok, a traditional Korean house that’s over 100 years old, right in the heart of Seoul. The setting alone offers an evocative atmosphere—wooden beams, traditional tiles, and a quiet, homey vibe that transports you away from the city’s busy streets. The location is conveniently near Gyeongbokgung Palace, so it can easily be incorporated into your sightseeing plans.

The class is limited to just six guests, which makes it a highly personalized experience. As Kristen highlighted in her review, “the food was fantastic, the company was lovely, and the Hanok was so lovely.” Such small groups foster a relaxed environment where the chef can focus on your learning and answer all your questions.

You will learn to prepare some of Korea’s most iconic dishes, including LA Galbi (marinated grilled beef short ribs), Fresh Kimchi, Haemul Pajeon (seafood pancake), and Tangpyeongchae (a traditional cold dish). The recipes are explained with traditional techniques that are easy to follow, whether you’re a seasoned cook or a beginner.

The Itinerary: What to Expect

Arrival and Welcome
You’ll meet at a central, easily accessible spot just behind the Insadong IBIS Ambassador Hotel—a familiar landmark in Seoul. Once there, a friendly guide will welcome you and guide you to the historic Hanok, where the magic begins.

Introduction to Korean Cuisine
Your certified chef will introduce you to Korea’s culinary traditions, sharing stories behind the dishes and their importance. This initial chat sets the tone for a relaxed and engaging experience.

Hands-On Cooking
Under the guidance of your chef, you’ll start preparing dishes like LA Galbi, where marinating and grilling techniques are demonstrated and practiced. You’ll also craft Kimchi from scratch and learn how to balance flavors authentically. The small class size means each guest has their own station, ingredients, and technical equipment, such as gas stoves, to work with.

Enjoying the Meal
Once your dishes are prepared, you’ll move to the dining area, where you’ll eat on handcrafted Bangjja bronzeware, traditional Korean cookware that enhances the flavor experience. The cozy setting and traditional tableware create a sense of royalty, fitting with the “royal cuisine” theme.

Cultural and Culinary Stories
Throughout the meal, your chef will share cultural insights, including the significance of each dish and the history of the Hanok setting. To complement your meal, you’ll be served a glass of Makgeolli, Korea’s traditional rice wine, and a selection of Korean desserts.

Closing and Reflection
The class ends back at the original meeting point, leaving plenty of time for questions or a brief walk around the neighborhood. Many reviewers, like Maya, appreciated the blend of food and cultural storytelling, which made the experience feel all the more authentic.

Why the Price Reflects Value

At $94 per person, this experience offers a lot for those interested in authentic, hands-on Korean cooking. You’re paying not just for the dishes you learn to make but also for the setting—an historic Hanok—and the intimate, educational environment. The small group setting means personalized attention, which is often hard to find in larger classes.

The inclusion of dining on traditional bronzeware, a glass of Makgeolli, and Korean desserts adds to the overall value, making it feel like an immersive cultural experience rather than just a cooking class. Reviewers consistently mentioned the well-thought-out planning, the friendly guides, and the overall cleanliness and comfort of the space, reinforcing that this isn’t a rushed or superficial experience.

The Experience’s Strengths

Authentic ambiance in a beautifully restored Hanok offers a sense of stepping back in time.
Expert guidance from certified chefs ensures dishes are prepared authentically, yet made simple enough for all skill levels.
Small group size creates a friendly, personalized environment, fostering memorable conversations and hands-on participation.
Cultural stories behind each dish enrich the culinary learning, transforming a cooking session into a cultural exchange.
Dining on bronzeware adds a touch of tradition, making each meal feel special.

The reviews reflect consistent praise for the location, the knowledgeable guides, and the delicious food. Many mention that the experience has motivated them to recreate Korean dishes at home, which speaks volumes about its practicality and value.

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Possible Drawbacks or Considerations

While the experience is highly praised, it’s worth noting that children under 10 are not suitable for this class, so it’s best suited for adults or older teens. Also, since it’s a small, intimate setting, those seeking a more high-energy, large-group experience might find it a little subdued.

Plus, the class is focused on traditional techniques, so if you’re looking for a fast, casual cooking experience, this might feel a bit deliberate. But for those wanting a meaningful, cultural culinary journey, it’s ideal.

Who will love this experience?

This class is best for food lovers eager to learn authentic Korean recipes in a traditional setting. It suits travelers who appreciate small-group intimacy and are interested in cultural stories alongside cooking. If you’re looking for a relaxed, educational experience that combines history, tradition, and great food, this is a perfect fit.

It’s particularly appealing to those who want more than just eating—those who are curious about Korea’s culinary heritage and enjoy hands-on participation. It also works well for couples or small groups of friends wanting a memorable, culturally enriching activity during their Seoul stay.

The Sum Up

The Royal Seoul Cooking Class in a 100-Year-Old Hanok offers an authentic and personal way to connect with Korea’s culinary traditions. For a reasonable price, you get to cook, learn, and dine in a beautifully preserved historic home, surrounded by stories and cultural context.

The small-group format, expert guidance, and traditional setting make it stand out from more generic cooking classes and turn it into an experience that’s both educational and memorable. Whether you’re a seasoned cook or a curious traveler, this class promises to leave you with new skills, delightful dishes, and a deeper appreciation for Korean culture.

If you love authentic food and meaningful cultural encounters, this experience is a must-do. It’s a warm, friendly, and engaging way to spend an afternoon in Seoul—one that you’ll likely remember long after your trip ends.

FAQ

Is there a specific dress code for the class?
No, casual and comfortable clothing is perfectly fine since you’ll be working at a stove and preparing food.

Can I join if I have food allergies or restrictions?
Yes, just let the organizers know in advance so they can accommodate your needs.

What is the meeting point?
The class starts just behind the Insadong IBIS Ambassador Hotel in Seoul; make sure you arrive at the correct hotel.

How long does the class last?
Though not explicitly specified, typical cooking classes of this type usually run for about 2-3 hours.

What dishes will I learn to prepare?
You will make dishes like LA Galbi, Kimchi, Haemul Pajeon, and Tangpyeongchae.

Is transportation provided?
Transportation isn’t included, but the meeting point is centrally located and easy to find.

Can I pay on the day of the experience?
Booking in advance is recommended, but you can reserve now and pay later, offering flexibility.

Is this experience suitable for beginners?
Yes, the recipes are explained in simple terms, making it accessible whether you’re a novice or experienced cook.

Will I get to eat what I cook?
Absolutely. You’ll dine on your own creations on beautiful traditional bronzeware, making it a truly immersive meal.

Are there any age restrictions?
Yes, the experience isn’t suitable for children under 10 years old.

This detailed review aims to give you a clear picture of what to expect from the Royal Seoul Cooking Class. If you’re looking to combine culinary learning with cultural discovery in Seoul, this class ticks all the boxes—authentic, intimate, and thoroughly enjoyable.

You can check availability for your dates here: