Seoul, South Korea – A hit Netflix competition series is reshaping the way food enthusiasts plan their trips, turning culinary experiences into the main reason for visiting South Korea.
The show, titled Culinary Class Wars (Korean title: Black and White Chef), pits renowned chefs against each other in intense cooking battles that highlight the contrast between street-style “black” cuisine and refined “white” fine-dining approaches. Season 2, which concluded in mid-January 2026, has created an unprecedented wave of culinary tourism.
According to data from CatchTable, South Korea’s leading restaurant booking platform, reservations at restaurants owned or run by participating chefs increased by an average of 303% in the five weeks following the premiere of Season 2 compared to the five weeks prior. Some establishments reported triple the usual bookings, with individual chefs receiving as many as 100 phone calls per day from eager diners.
The surge reflects a broader shift in travel behavior. Instead of traditional sightseeing, many visitors—both domestic and international—are now centering their South Korea itineraries around specific chef-driven restaurants, pop-up experiences, and food tours inspired by the series. Hotels and tour operators have quickly adapted by offering tailored packages that include reservations at featured venues and opportunities to explore Seoul’s vibrant food scene.
This phenomenon builds on the success of Season 1, where interest in the showcased chefs remained elevated long after the finale. The series joins a growing list of Netflix food productions, such as Chef’s Table and Street Food, that have successfully transformed on-screen culinary stories into real-world travel motivations.
Industry experts note that the show is not only boosting restaurant traffic but also elevating South Korea’s global reputation for both high-end gastronomy and innovative street food. The ripple effects are extending beyond Korea, with increased curiosity about similar food scenes in neighboring destinations like Singapore and Japan.
For food lovers considering a trip, this is an exciting yet challenging time. Popular restaurants featured on the show are experiencing long waitlists, making advance bookings essential. Those inspired by the competition can stream Culinary Class Wars on Netflix to discover new favorites and plan their own gastronomic adventures.
As food continues to become a primary driver of travel decisions worldwide, Culinary Class Wars stands as a prime example of how a well-crafted cooking show can influence tourism trends and breathe new life into local dining economies.
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