I don’t think I am the only person who has noticed that the wave of interest in all things Korean has built up over recent years and is now hitting unprecedented heights. This summer alone BTS is performing at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium, Peggy Gou is lighting up the Old Royal Naval College and K-beauty is shaping trends across London. And it is no further surprise that demand for trips to Korea itself are at an all time high. So with it’s trusted finger on the pulse, Virgin Atlantic Holidays has announced Heart + Seoul, a Korean supper club hosted by a Korean Halmoni – the grandmother figures revered as the guardians of Korea’s food, family traditions and culinary heritage – offering guests an authentic window into the culture captivating millions worldwide.
Flying into London on Virgin Atlantic’s new direct service from Seoul, Park Mak-rye (@korea_grandma) has been enlisted to host the two-day experience, bringing the recipes, traditions and stories that have made her one of Korea’s most beloved cultural figures. Park Mak-rye, aka Korea Grandma, is one of Korea’s most recognised grandmother creators and cultural icons. After running a restaurant for 43 years, she became renowned for sharing her home cooking, family recipes and Korean traditions with audiences around the world.
I doubt I am the only person to think blimey that is a totally cool idea.
Bringing a taste of Seoul to Shoreditch, Korea Grandma will serve up Korean favourites including banchan, home cooked main dishes and traditional desserts, as well as Soju and local beers, introducing guests to the dishes and drinks that sit at the heart of every day Korean culture.
Created to celebrate the authentic experiences on offer through Virgin Atlantic Holidays, Heart + Seoul brings together food and culture through a vibrant, open plan communal dining experience inspired by the bustling atmosphere of Seoul’s local restaurants, markets and home kitchens. Throughout the experience, Korea Grandma will share the food, stories and traditions that have made her a household name in Korea.
Now the reason for this completely excellent idea is that Virgin Holidays wants to point out that while Heart + Seoul will come close, there’s nothing quite like the real thing and as the Korean wave hits the UK, now is the time to visit. Virgin Atlantic Holidays offers a range of experiential holidays, travelling on Virgin Atlantic, the only UK airline operating direct flights to Seoul. Travellers can immerse themselves in a range of authentic Korean experiences, from wearing a traditional hanbok and taking part in a tea ceremony, to joining Korean cookery classes and guided food market tours. Other highlights include visits to the Demilitarized Zone (DMZ) and tours of Seoul’s magnificent Royal Palace. Virgin Holidays can curate a wide range of curated experiences across Japan, Singapore and Thailand with handpicked hotels and tailored experiences in destinations such as Phuket, Kyoto and Osaka.
Beats another trip to Ibiza methinks?
Best of all, back in London the food and drink is not the only thing on offer at Heart + Seoul. One guest at each sitting will win a pair of return flights to Seoul, with eight prizes available across the weekend. The catch? Winners must book their trip and travel within two weeks, embracing the spirit of spontaneity, and proving that when it comes to adventure, there’s no better time than now. I like that idea a lot, and to be fair they are doing this in the middle of summer when you really should be able to set off on a moment’s notice (albeit I am with them that spontaneous travel at any time is a great idea).
The pop-up will run from Friday 10th – Saturday 11th of July, with two lunch and two dinner sittings daily at 12pm, 2pm, 6pm and 8pm. Bookings are £30 per person and can be made through Open Table, with limited space for walk ins, with all proceeds going to Save the Children.
Bookings can be made here
I suggest doing so RIGHT NOW as this is going to get booked out before you know it…..
