The main poster of 2024 Taste of Seoul / Courtesy of Seoul Metropolitan Government

The annual Taste of Seoul event, a weeklong celebration of Korean cuisine, will start this Friday at various locations around the city, including Nodeul Island, until Nov. 14, the Seoul Metropolitan Government said Monday.

Under the theme of "Invitation to a weeklong gourmet in Seoul," this year's event will introduce both locals and visitors to the city's evolving food culture, which blends traditional flavors with modern culinary trends.

The city government aims to share Seoul's diverse and rich culinary heritage with an international audience through this event, positioning Seoul as a global destination for food enthusiasts.

Each year, 45 culinary experts, food curators and the city choose 100 restaurants and bars that best represent Seoul's distinct culinary scene.

On Friday, the first day of the event, a kimchi-making experience will be held at Gyeongdong Market in the city's Dongdaemun District.

Led by renowned culinary specialist Hong Shin-ae, the program invites participants — particularly foreign visitors — to engage in every step of the process, from selecting fresh ingredients to preparing the iconic Korean dish.

Seoul Mayor Oh Se-hoon will join the event, underscoring Seoul's dedication to promoting traditional Korean cuisine and its cultural significance.

The Seoul Gourmet Market will take place on Nodeul Island in the weekend, featuring over 100 teams offering a variety of Seoul-inspired culinary experiences.

Alongside the market, workshops will provide participants with a chance to explore the flavors of different regions across Korea. Organized under five distinct themes, the workshops will be led by chefs, food artisans and farmers who will bring authentic local styles and tastes to life.

On Sunday, the event will culminate with the 100 Taste of Seoul Awards ceremony at Nodeul Island Live House.

Each year, this prestigious guide selects the city's Top 100 dining spots across seven categories — Korean, Western, Asian, Grills, Vegan, Cafés and Desserts, and Bars and Pubs. The awardees are chosen by a panel of chefs, food industry experts and both domestic and international media.

This awards aims to highlight the city's dynamic gastronomy and support its global reputation as a food destination.

The event will also serve as a gathering for celebrated chefs and culinary innovators, providing a platform for the exchange and recognition of those who have significantly contributed to Seoul's food scene.

Visitors line up to sample Korean cuisine at a traditional market in Seoul during last year's Taste of Seoul event, Oct. 6, 2023. Courtesy of Seoul Metropolitan Government

The event will also offer hands-on programs where participants can shop for ingredients at traditional markets around the city and then join cooking sessions to prepare dishes using their purchases.

Additionally, participants can experience the unique flavors of Seoul's culinary hot spots in Seongsu-dong in Seongdong District and Seochon in Jongno District, guided by gourmand experts.

During the event week, 120 venues, including the Top 100 restaurants of this year, along with department stores such as Lotte, The Hyundai and Shinsegae, as well as Gyeongdong Market, will feature special menus and exclusive discounts for visitors.

Furthermore, popular young chefs from the Netflix show "Culinary Class Wars" will present collaborative menus that creatively reinterpret Seoul's iconic street food.

Signature dishes include new takes on Sindang-dong "tteokbokki" (simmered rice cakes), Jongno mung bean pancakes called "bindaetteok," and Jangchung-dong "jokbal," or braised pig's feet.

Further details and applications for all programs are available on the official Taste of Seoul website.

"Seoul is a global gourmet tourism city where flavors from across the country merge, blending tradition with modernity in ways that range from old markets to fine dining," said Kim Young-hwan, director general of the Tourism and Sports Bureau at the Seoul Metropolitan Government.

"We hope you'll join us this year as culinary experts, restaurants and traditional markets come together to make the 'Taste of Seoul' week a memorable experience."