There are things you see in Seoul, and things you make in Seoul. This is one of the most memorable things you'll make.
Join Min in a beautiful modern hanok — a traditional Korean house — to learn the art of making Songpyeon, Korea's iconic colorful rice cakes. Songpyeon are made for Chuseok (Korean Thanksgiving) and carry deep cultural meaning — the shape, the color, the fillings all tell a story. Min tells you every one of them.
Min learned to make Songpyeon from her mother, who ran a traditional tteok (rice cake) shop in Seoul. This isn't a recipe from a book — it's a family tradition passed down through hands.
You'll knead the dough, shape your own rice cakes, and steam them to perfection. Then — the best part — you eat what you made. Small group (max 6), so you get real hands-on time with Min right beside you.
Songpyeon isn't just a food — it's a cultural artifact. Making it by hand, inside a hanok, with someone who can explain what every detail means, is the kind of moment you'll remember long after you've left Korea. And you get to eat your own creation.
-
01Songpyeon — History & IngredientsSongpyeon has been eaten since the 1200s — a rice cake with over 800 years of unbroken tradition. Min introduces its role in Chuseok (Korean Thanksgiving) and what the shapes traditionally mean. Then: the ingredients. Every single one is 100% organic and natural — your job is to shape and fill.
-
03Making Your SongpyeonThe main hands-on section. First you knead the rice dough until smooth, then spoon in your filling — traditional options include seasoned sesame, sweet red bean, and chestnut paste. Finally, you shape each piece into your own design. Min shows you a variety of forms to try, and guides you through every step. No experience needed — by the end, everyone's songpyeon looks beautiful.
-
05Steaming Over Pine NeedlesThe traditional way. Songpyeon are steamed over fresh pine needles — Min explains why (it adds fragrance and has preserving properties) while your rice cakes cook.
-
06Taste Your CreationFresh, warm, made by your own hands. You eat your songpyeon with traditional Korean tea while Min shares more stories of Korean food culture. Take the rest home.
-
StartMeet at Hyehwa Station (Line 4), Exit 1Min meets the group at Hyehwa Station Exit 1 and walks everyone to the hanok together, giving a brief introduction to the neighbourhood and Korean traditional architecture along the way.
-
~30 minCultural IntroductionThe story behind rice cakes in Korean culture — Chuseok, the significance of Songpyeon, and how Min first learned to make them as a child.
-
~1.5 hrsHands-On Rice Cake MakingThe main event. Following Min step-by-step, you create your own colorful Songpyeon from scratch — coloring, shaping, filling, and finally steaming.
-
~30 minTasting & Tea TimeWhile your rice cakes are still warm from the steamer, sit down with Min and enjoy your creations with traditional Korean tea. Stories, questions, conversation.
-
EndTake Home & FarewellPack up your remaining rice cakes to take with you. Min shares her favorite Seoul recommendations before you leave.
- All ingredients & materials
- Expert local guide (Min)
- Traditional Korean tea
- Rice cakes to take home
- Small group (max 6)
- English-speaking guide
- Transportation to venue
- Personal travel insurance
- No cooking experience required — Min guides you step-by-step
- Please inform Min of any allergies (sesame, beans) when booking
- Suitable for all ages — great for families, couples, and solo travelers
- You may want to wear clothing you don't mind getting a little flour on
- Cancellation: Full refund if cancelled 24hrs before start
"The rice cake workshop with Min was fantastic. Min has a lot of experience and creates beautiful rice cakes that are less sweet and more traditional than those you usually find. Everything was thoughtfully prepared — small snacks, a variety of fillings, and different shapes and colors, allowing us to create a lovely assortment. Throughout the workshop, we also had wonderful conversations about Korean culture and travel. Min is a truly inspiring and welcoming host. I brought the rice cakes as gifts to a dinner, and they were very much appreciated. 감사합니다"
"The activity was really fun!!! Min was such a great instructor and host — we felt so comfortable with her as if we were long-time friends. She went out of her way to accommodate us and gave us many recommendations for what to eat and where. There were 4 different fillings and 4 different colored doughs, and we tried to make various shapes. When we struggled with the dough, Min helped us right away. All 3 of us had a great time. My favourite filling was sesame — highly recommend!"
"Min was so welcoming and kind. I did the experience with my two children, and they ADORED her. Learning to make rice cakes was a lovely way to spend an afternoon and I highly recommend the experience. Her home is also centrally located and easy to get to. Thank you, Min!"
