An industrial design student from Costa Rica who developed a kimchi timer during her time at the Korea Advanced Institute of Science and Technology is set to receive her master’s degree on Friday. Maria Jose Reyes Castro from Costa Rica (KAIST)Maria Jose Reyes Castro, 25, conducted a study to develop the device, which uses a mobile app and a smart sensor to check the pH level of kimchi as it’s fermenting. With the app, users input the desired levels of fermentation and salinity. The app then for

Niche chocolate shop Piaf readies for big day, Valentine’s Day

Romantic night at Grand Hilton SeoulGrand Hilton Seoul presents its Valentine’s Day package. The package includes one night’s stay at the hotel, a 30 percent discount for a breakfast buffet for two, a 20 percent discount for a cake at the Alpine deli and white wine. Gift sets from women’s lingerie brand Vivian will also be offered. For the Deluxe Room, the gift will be a set of lingerie valued at 120,000 won. For the Executive Room, a set of sleepwear and lingerie valued at 200,000 won will be i

L’Inconnu explores unknown with experimental desserts

Lunar New Year holiday is just around the corner. While the word “holiday” may cheer some up, there are also those who don’t welcome the season. The two big traditional holidays in Korea, Seollal (Lunar New Year) and Chuseok (fall harvest holiday), mean days of kitchen labor for many Koreans, particularly married women, to prepare food for their families and their ancestors.But with the popularity of ready-to-eat meals increasing steadily, food companies are looking to Seollal dinner tables as t

Strawberry-filled afternoon at Novotel Ambassador DongdaemunNovotel Ambassador Seoul Dongdaemun Hotel & Residence presents the Strawberry Afternoon Tea promotion.The set menu will be available until the end of March from 12 to 5 p.m. at the Gourmet Bar on the 20th floor of the hotel. It includes desserts such as eclairs, financiers, mille-feuille and creme brulee. Diners can choose two drinks from the options of coffee, tea and strawberry coconut smoothie. Those who make reservations in advance

Mother-and-daughter’s traditional Korean beef jerky business accommodates new needs with old taste

Soi Mao pairs Thai eats with natural wine

Lunar New Year at Grand Hyatt SeoulGrand Hyatt Seoul Hotel presents the Good Luck 2019 package in celebration of the Lunar New Year holiday. The package includes a one-night stay in a standard room, breakfast buffet for two at Terrace, admission to an ice rink for two hours as well as skate rental for two and hot chocolate for two at the ice rink’s snack bar.Guests will also be offered complimentary shuttle bus services to and from Namsangol Hanok Village, where families can experience Korean tr

As the icy wind blows in winter, there is nothing like street snacks to shake off the cold. From roasted sweet potatoes and bungeobbang to egg buns and fish cakes, these snacks can be spotted at street vendors in winter.While waiting for a bus, take a moment to grab a fish cake and sip hot broth to warm your body.  (Photo by Park Hyun-koo/The Korea Herald) (Photo by Park Hyun-koo/The Korea Herald) (Photo by Park Hyun-koo/The Korea Herald)Roasted chestnuts and sweet potatoes are all-time winter f

Lunar New Year at Grand Hyatt SeoulGrand Hyatt Seoul Hotel presents the Good Luck 2019 package in celebration of the Lunar New Year holiday. The package includes a one-night stay at the Standard Room, a breakfast buffet for two at Terrace, admission to an ice rink for two hours as well as skate rental for two and hot chocolate for two at the ice rink’s snack bar.Guests will also be offered complimentary shuttle bus services to and from Namsangol Hanok Village, where families can experience Korea

Seoul hosted Salon du Chocolat, a show dedicated to everything chocolate, over four days from Thursday to Sunday at Coex. The chocolate festival premiered in Paris in 1994 and has so far toured 16 countries around the world.Visitors could try their hands at dessert making at the cooking corner, shop for chocolate and drinks that go well chocolate such as tea, wine and coffee -- all of which were available to sample. A chocolate-themed fashion show and a chocolate art exhibition pleased the eyes

Strawberry pleasure at Novotel Ambassador DongdaemunWelcoming the strawberry season, Novotel Ambassador Seoul Dongdaemun Hotels & Residences presents the “Feel the Berry” promotion. The hotel’s cafe and bakery The Deli offers coconut berry smoothie and berry cream latte. Gourmet Bar offers strawberry vanilla latte, a strawberry coconut blended drink, strawberry cream soda and strawberry gin. The strawberry promotion continues until the end of January, with prices starting from 6,500 won. For mor

Adore Chocolaterie finds inspiration in Korean cinnamon punch and more

Yellowtail feast at Park Hyatt SeoulPark Hyatt Seoul’s vinyl music bar The Timber House hosts Winter Yellowtail promotion.During weekday happy hour from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. guests can enjoy a 4-course meal featuring yellowtail. The set-course menu starts with salad, followed by a sushi platter, tempura and udon. The meal will be completed with an unlimited flow of white wine, house sake and Japanese draft beer.The promotion deal costs 69,000 won per person. For more information or reservation, call