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Netflix Show Ignites Korean Fine Dining Craze
13 Feb
Summary
- Netflix's "Culinary Class Wars" boosts interest in Korean fine dining.
- Reservations surged, with one pop-up event attracting 450,000 applicants.
- Show highlights nuanced Korean food culture beyond traditional dishes.
A Netflix series, "Culinary Class Wars," has significantly boosted interest in South Korea's fine dining scene. Chef Jun Lee, a recent participant, observed a marked increase in customer engagement with culinary techniques and philosophies. This surge in interest is further evidenced by a pop-up event in November 2024, which saw nearly 450,000 people vying for 150 reservation spots.
Following the premiere of Season 2, CATCHTABLE reported a 303% increase in average booking and waitlist registrations for participating restaurants. Chef Kim Sung-woon also noted a tripling of reservations and a dramatic rise in fan interactions, with some chefs now feeling like celebrities.
The show is also credited with popularizing a more nuanced understanding of Korean cuisine, emphasizing cultural lifestyle habits over specific recipes. Chefs are now incorporating their unique Seoul-based perspectives, drawing from international techniques while highlighting authentic Korean elements like banchan (side dishes).
This cultural promotion builds on years of government initiatives, but entertainment content like Netflix series has accelerated Korean food's global reach, particularly among younger audiences. However, the industry faces challenges such as service staff shortages exacerbated by the COVID-19 pandemic.
