R.C The battle is over. We have our winner (long live Choi Kang-rok!), the trophy has been delivered, and the “Jorim-ping” memes are flooding the internet. But now that the cameras for the second season of Netflix’s “Culinary Class Wars” have turned off, we are left with a real urgency: to taste that food.
Netflix gathered Korea’s best culinary talents, and although only one took the title, they all left our mouths watering. The platform recently revealed the deep philosophies driving the finalists and, most importantly, where we can find their creations in real life.
If you were left wanting more after the final episode, here we tell you the stories behind the Culinary Class Wars 2 chefs’ restaurants and the next steps for their protagonists.
The Culinary Sanctuaries You Can Visit Today
If you are lucky enough to be in Korea or are planning a trip soon, these are the places where TV magic becomes reality.
The Living Legacy of Master Hou at Haobin
If anyone taught us the meaning of the word “respect” this season, it was the legendary Chinese cuisine chef Hou Deok-juk. Therefore, among the Culinary Class Wars 2 chefs’ restaurants, Haobin, located inside the luxurious Ambassador Seoul Pullman Hotel in the Jung District, is not just a place to eat; it is a temple to his 57 years of experience.
Master Hou views cooking as an endless study and a sacred responsibility to heal both the body and mind. If you manage to get a table, the mandatory dish is his famous “Buddha Jumps Over the Wall.” This stew, slow-cooked for hours with precious ingredients like abalone and sea cucumber, is the materialization of his motto on the show: “honesty in every bowl.”
The “Challenging Mother” of Yunjudang
In the trendy neighborhood of Haebangchon, Yun Na-ra—whom we affectionately adopted as “Master Yun”—has created a space that is pure heart: Yunjudang. She doesn’t just cook; she curates experiences, thus making her mark in this variety within the Culinary Class Wars 2 chefs’ restaurants.
Her philosophy centers on absolute respect for the seasons and ingredients, pairing traditional Korean liquors with contemporary dishes in a way only she knows how. Yun entered the competition with a clear mission: to showcase the diversity of our culture and be remembered as a “challenging mother.” Visiting her spot is understanding that passion firsthand.
The Exhaustless Warmth of Udon Caden
Star chef Jung Ho-young was already famous before the show, but his time on the program made us love him even more. Within the Culinary Class Wars 2 chefs’ restaurants, Udon Caden continues to welcome his loyal followers with the same humility as always.
Specializing in handmade Japanese noodles, this place is famous for its textures and the depth of its broths. After filming wrapped, Jung confessed that the competition was an incredible opportunity to grow mentally, reaffirming something noticeable in every dish he serves: for him, cooking is not a job, it is his true “life companion.”
Beyond a Restaurant: A Spiritual Experience
The “Living Zen” of Venerable Seonjae
Not all Culinary Class Wars 2 chefs’ restaurants are commercial. Venerable Seonjae, the nation’s first master of temple food, offers something that transcends the gastronomic.
She does not run a traditional local spot but shares her wisdom through educational programs at the Korean Temple Food Center. Her time on the show was a gentle yet powerful reminder that the act of eating together is a common language that connects us all. Her cuisine is compassion, simplicity, and, as she calls it, “Living Zen.”
The Future: Projects Keeping Us on Edge Awaiting New Culinary Class Wars 2 Chefs’ Restaurants
Here is where we fans will have to exercise patience, because the show’s effect has brought big changes and new beginnings.
The Mystery of Champion Choi Kang-rok
Our winner, the “Jorim” man, the introvert who conquered the world. Choi Kang-rok officially closed his restaurant Neo in January 2025, leaving a void in the current dining scene.
But don’t despair. Faithful to his belief that past experiences are the foundation of present success, we all know he is cooking up something new. We are anxiously awaiting the announcement of his next move, ready to line up wherever he decides to open his doors and add what will surely be a gastronomic paradise to our list of Culinary Class Wars 2 chefs’ restaurants.
Culinary Monster Conquers New York
Lee Ha-sung, known by his battle nickname “Culinary Monster,” has his sights set on the global stage. His tireless fight on the show was just the warm-up.
He is currently packing his bags to open Oyatte in New York, which guarantees us more Culinary Class Wars 2 chefs’ restaurants. He entered the competition to test himself before this huge leap, and boy did he succeed. Although the exact location in the Big Apple is yet to be defined, his performance already ensures it will be an international success.
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The Rebirth of Lim Seong-geun
Finally, the expert Lim Seong-geun, who compares cooking to the ‘heart of a mother,’ is also preparing his comeback.
Although he doesn’t have an operating restaurant right now, he is ready to open a new spot in Paju, Gyeonggi Province. His plan is beautiful: he seeks to continue the legacy of traditional flavors he defends so well, but incorporating the vibrant energy of the young chefs he met during the battle.
Now that you know the stories behind the Culinary Class Wars 2 chefs’ restaurants, which one inspires you the most? We dream of tasting absolutely all of these delights.
🧐 FAQs: Everything You Need to Know Before You Eat
1. Is it necessary to reserve far in advance at the Culinary Class Wars 2 chefs’ restaurants?
Absolutely. In South Korea, the “Netflix effect” is real. For high-end places like Haobin, it is recommended to book at least a month in advance. You must download the CatchTable app (it has an English version) or Naver Map, which are the standard platforms for managing reservations in the country. Without these apps, getting a table is almost impossible.
2. Where did Choi Kang-rok’s fame come from before this show?
If his victory surprised you, you should know this isn’t his first rodeo. Choi Kang-rok was the winner of “MasterChef Korea Season 2” in 2013. He originally went viral for his obsession with slow-cooking everything (braising or jorim), which earned him a cult fanbase and made him a living meme long before Culinary Class Wars.
3. Who actually invented the Creamy Mayo Shrimp seen in Korea?
It was Master Hou Deok-juk. Although he is now at the Ambassador Pullman, he worked for 42 years at the Shilla Hotel, where he pioneered adapting Chinese cuisine to the Korean palate. He is credited with creating the famous “Creamy Mayo Shrimp” in Korea, a dish that is now a standard in almost every Chinese restaurant in the country.
4. Is eating at Master Hou’s restaurant very expensive?
Yes, prepare your wallet. Haobin is a luxury hotel restaurant (Fine Dining). Course menus can range between 150,000 and 300,000 KRW per person (approx. $110 – $220 USD), depending on seasonal ingredients. It is an experience for special occasions, not for a casual meal.
5. Why is Jung Ho-young (Udon Caden) so famous on Korean TV?
Before Culinary Class Wars, Jung Ho-young was already a celebrity for being a fixed cast member of “Please Take Care of My Refrigerator” (Chef & My Fridge), one of the most successful cooking shows in Korean TV history. There, he earned a reputation as a kind, funny chef and an expert in quick Japanese cuisine.
6. Is Udon Caden as expensive as the others?
No, that’s the best part. Udon Caden is known for being accessible and having generous portions (they even offer free noodle refills on some dishes). The average price per dish is around 13,000 – 15,000 KRW (approx. $9 – $11 USD), which explains why there are always huge lines of young people waiting outside.
7. Where else can I see Chef Lim Seong-geun?
Lim Seong-geun is a highly respected figure in educational and lifestyle television. For years he was the main chef on the MBN program “Altoran,” where he taught Korean housewives the secrets to perfecting traditional homemade dishes like Kimchi or stews, solidifying his image as a “mentor” of home cooking.
8. Does Venerable Seonjae have one of the Culinary Class Wars 2 chefs’ restaurants?
No, but don’t worry. Although she doesn’t have a restaurant, Venerable Seonjae is the author of several books on temple food that have been translated into various languages. Additionally, the Cultural Corps of Korean Buddhism often offers online and in-person classes for foreigners inspired by her teachings on sustainable eating and minimalism.
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¡Qué divertido ver el resultado! Definitivamente voy a probar los platos del ganador, ¡que siga dando gloria!
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