If Korean food is your love language, clear your diary. This July, one of South Korea’s most beloved culinary stars is heading to Shoreditch for a one-of-a-kind dining experience that promises authentic flavours, heartwarming stories and even the chance to win a spontaneous trip to Seoul.
Meet Park Mak-rye, better known as Korea Grandma. After spending more than four decades running her own restaurant, she became a household name in Korea thanks to her home-cooked recipes, family traditions and warm personality, winning fans around the world along the way.
Now, for one weekend only, she’s bringing a taste of Seoul to East London with Heart + Seoul, a special pop-up created in partnership with Virgin Atlantic Holidays.
Designed to capture the energy of Seoul’s bustling restaurants, street markets and family kitchens, Heart + Seoul will offer guests a communal dining experience centred around the dishes that Koreans eat every day. Expect a feast of traditional favourites, from colourful banchan and comforting home-style mains to classic Korean desserts, all served alongside soju and local beers.
But this isn’t just about the food. Throughout the experience, Korea Grandma will share stories, traditions and insights into Korean culture, giving diners a glimpse into everyday life in Seoul.
For those feeling inspired to experience the real thing, there’s even more reason to attend. At every sitting, one lucky guest will win a pair of return flights to Seoul. There’s a twist, though – winners must embrace a little spontaneity and book their trip within two weeks.
The event also shines a spotlight on Virgin Atlantic Holidays’ growing range of immersive travel experiences in South Korea, including traditional hanbok experiences, tea ceremonies, cookery classes, food market tours and visits to iconic landmarks such as Seoul’s Royal Palace and the DMZ.
Taking place from 10–11 July, Heart + Seoul will host two lunch and two dinner sittings each day. Tickets are priced at £30 per person, with all proceeds going to Save the Children.
Great food, Korean culture and the chance to jet off to Seoul? That’s a pretty hard combination to resist.
Book here.
ADDRESS: 83 Rivington Street
Korean Grandma
