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About Us

Welcome to Food & Culture Korea – Where Culinary Traditions Come to Life!


Nestled in the vibrant heart of Seoul, near the historic Gyeongbokgung Palace,

Food & Culture Korea is your ultimate destination for immersive Korean cooking experiences. Since 2002, we have been offering cooking classes, team-building activities, food styling works and government associated projects that blend the rich heritage of Korean cuisine with the joy of hands-on learning. Whether you're a seasoned chef, a food enthusiast, or a curious traveler, our diverse range of classes will ignite your passion for Korean cooking.



Unleash Your Inner Chef – A Journey Through Korean Flavors


At Food & Culture Korea, we believe that cooking is more than just preparing food—it's a gateway to culture. Our interactive, hands-on classes will guide you step-by-step through the preparation of a variety of authentic Korean dishes. With your very own cooking station equipped with traditional Korean tableware, you'll learn techniques, tips, and recipes that you can easily recreate at home. Each session ends with a communal feast, allowing you to savor your creations alongside new friends.



A Unique Cultural Experience Awaits


Our Cultural Cooking Class is the perfect choice for travelers and expatriates looking to delve deeper into the traditions of Korean food. More than just a cooking lesson, it's a cultural journey where you'll discover the stories behind each dish and ingredient.

We also specialize in corporate team-building events, where food becomes the catalyst for creativity, collaboration, and connection. Let us craft a memorable culinary experience that brings your team together in a fun, dynamic environment.



Discover Korea, One Dish at a Time


At Food & Culture Korea, food is at the heart of culture, and our mission is to share the beauty of Korean cuisine with the world. Whether you're here for a one-time class or to hone your cooking skills, we guarantee you'll leave with a deeper appreciation for Korean culinary traditions—and the confidence to explore more!

Career Highlights

Current Roles (2003–Present)

•Lecturer and Director of Food Styling at Food & Culture Korea

•Professional Food Stylist for Major Media Productions

•Films and Television Dramas

•Streaming Platforms: Netflix, Apple TV+, Disney+

•Print Media

•Korean Cuisine Instructor

•Specialized in teaching Korean cooking to foreign visitors including students and chefs

•Expert in traditional Korean culinary arts


Notable Projects & Collaborations & International Culinary Partnerships

•Developed and led specialized kimchi-making instruction for Angelo Sosa (renowned U.S. chef)

•Partnership with Korean Food Promotion Institute and Cheil Worldwide

•Consulting Food Stylist for Kimchee Restaurant, London, UK


Media Appearances & Features

•Featured on MBC's "Welcome, First Time in Korea?" (Canada Edition)

•Profiled in Travel Libro Korea (Canada) for expertise in kimchi-making

•Featured in Australian press coverage of Korean cuisine's global influence


Professional Recognition

•Expert Judge for 

  - Korean Food Promotion Institute (한식진흥원)

  - Korea Craft & Design Foundation (한국공예디자인진흥원)


Ellie Hyewon Lee (이혜원)
Head Chef & Lead Food Stylist

Ellie Hyewon Lee embarked on her culinary journey after earning a Master’s degree in International Business from Korea University. Her passion for food was ignited when she joined the marketing department at Food & Culture Korea, where she combined her business acumen with a deep-seated love for Korean cuisine. Ellie’s culinary education began at home, under the tutelage of her mother, the legend of Korean cuisine and a professor Kim Soo Jin, the esteemed founder of Food & Culture Korea. This early training laid the foundation for her expertise in traditional Korean cooking.


Ellie's commitment to honing her skills took her beyond the borders of Korea, as she gained invaluable experience working in restaurants both domestically and internationally. This diverse exposure allowed her to develop a unique culinary style that blends traditional Korean flavors with global influences. Beyond the kitchen, Ellie has made her mark as a talented food stylist, contributing her expertise to a variety of projects including film shoots, advertising campaigns, and government-sponsored photo shoots. Her keen eye for detail and artistic presentation have made her a sought-after professional in the field.


Since 2003, Ellie has been sharing her passion for Korean cuisine through teaching and performing cooking classes. Her classes are infused with a personal touch that reflects her deep connection to the culinary traditions she grew up with. Ellie's warm and approachable teaching style puts novices at ease, while her innovative techniques offer even the most experienced cooks a fresh perspective on Korean cooking. Her ability to bridge the gap between traditional and modern culinary practices makes her classes both educational and inspiring, ensuring that every student leaves with a deeper understanding and appreciation of Korean cuisine.



Mila Shin-ae Park (박신애)
Culinary & Baking Specialist

From an early age, Park Shin-ae (also known as Mila) has nurtured a passion for cooking. She embarked on her culinary journey by majoring in Culinary Arts at Le Cordon Bleu in the United States. Later, she refined her skills by mastering the delicate techniques of Japanese cuisine at the Nakamura Academy in Japan, gradually perfecting her own distinctive flavor.


Her hands-on experience in restaurants across the United States and South Korea, along with numerous chef certifications, firmly underpins her expertise. While studying culinary arts, Mila became captivated by the allure of baking. Through extensive research and practice, she has developed unparalleled skills in various dessert fields—including artisanal baking, cookies, and scones.



Drawing on her rich background in dessert education and real-world experience, she is pioneering a creative fusion of Korean desserts with baking, opening new horizons of flavor. Currently, she leads classes in Korean cuisine, Korean desserts, and baking at Food & Culture Korea.


Guided by the belief that "learning never ends," Mila’s classes go far beyond merely delivering recipes. They vividly convey her genuine passion and joy for cooking. Her bright, energetic approach—always in pursuit of fresh, innovative ideas—ensures that her students enjoy a delightful and unforgettable experience.



Meet the chefs



Ellie Hyewon Lee (이혜원)| Head Chef & Lead Food Stylist



Ellie Hyewon Lee embarked on her culinary journey after earning a Master’s degree in International Business from Korea University. Her passion for food was ignited when she joined the marketing department at Food & Culture Korea, where she combined her business acumen with a deep-seated love for Korean cuisine. Ellie’s culinary education began at home, under the tutelage of her mother, the legend of Korean cuisine and a professor Kim Soo Jin, the esteemed founder of Food & Culture Korea. This early training laid the foundation for her expertise in traditional Korean cooking.


Ellie's commitment to honing her skills took her beyond the borders of Korea, as she gained invaluable experience working in restaurants both domestically and internationally. This diverse exposure allowed her to develop a unique culinary style that blends traditional Korean flavors with global influences. Beyond the kitchen, Ellie has made her mark as a talented food stylist, contributing her expertise to a variety of projects including film shoots, advertising campaigns, and government-sponsored photo shoots. Her keen eye for detail and artistic presentation have made her a sought-after professional in the field.


Since 2003, Ellie has been sharing her passion for Korean cuisine through teaching and performing cooking classes. Her classes are infused with a personal touch that reflects her deep connection to the culinary traditions she grew up with. Ellie's warm and approachable teaching style puts novices at ease, while her innovative techniques offer even the most experienced cooks a fresh perspective on Korean cooking. Her ability to bridge the gap between traditional and modern culinary practices makes her classes both educational and inspiring, ensuring that every student leaves with a deeper understanding and appreciation of Korean cuisine.


Mila Shin-ae Park (박신애)| Culinary & Baking Specialist



From an early age, Park Shin-ae (also known as Mila) has nurtured a passion for cooking. She embarked on her culinary journey by majoring in Culinary Arts at Le Cordon Bleu in the United States. Later, she refined her skills by mastering the delicate techniques of Japanese cuisine at the Nakamura Academy in Japan, gradually perfecting her own distinctive flavor.


Her hands-on experience in restaurants across the United States and South Korea, along with numerous chef certifications, firmly underpins her expertise. While studying culinary arts, Mila became captivated by the allure of baking. Through extensive research and practice, she has developed unparalleled skills in various dessert fields—including artisanal baking, cookies, and scones.



Drawing on her rich background in dessert education and real-world experience, she is pioneering a creative fusion of Korean desserts with baking, opening new horizons of flavor. Currently, she leads classes in Korean cuisine, Korean desserts, and baking at Food & Culture Korea.


Guided by the belief that "learning never ends," Mila’s classes go far beyond merely delivering recipes. They vividly convey her genuine passion and joy for cooking. Her bright, energetic approach—always in pursuit of fresh, innovative ideas—ensures that her students enjoy a delightful and unforgettable experience.

Location

Address :

3F,Pirun B/D,

Sajik-ro 101,

 Jongnogu, Seoul,

Food & Culture Korea

Contact

Phone :

(+82) 2- 720-6704

Email :

info.koreanrecipe

@gmail.com