(Gimpo) Korean Rice Cake Cooking Class, Vegan & Kid-Friendly is a delightful, hands-on journey into Korea’s beloved rice cake culture, just a quick 10-minute ride from Gimpo Airport. Priced at $72.38 per person, this roughly two-hour experience is perfect for those looking to add a meaningful, culinary touch to a layover or short trip. Led by Jihyun, a passionate Korean culinary expert, you’ll learn to craft colorful, plant-based rice cakes, sip seasonal Korean tea, and hear stories that connect rice cakes to Korea’s festivals and modern cafes alike.

What we love most about this experience is how approachable and inclusive it feels. The fact that all ingredients are 100% vegan means vegetarians, vegans, and curious eaters can comfortably roll up their sleeves together. Plus, the chance to take home a beautifully boxed set of pastel rice cakes along with a personalized photocard makes it a memorable souvenir. The intimate group size—limited to just 10 travelers—ensures plenty of personal attention and a cozy atmosphere.

One consideration worth noting is the brief duration: if you’re craving an in-depth culinary adventure, this might feel more like a snapshot than a full immersion. Also, since it’s close to the airport, it’s ideal for a quick, enriching activity rather than a leisurely day out exploring Seoul. This is a fantastic option for travelers with a short window in Korea, especially those interested in authentic, culturally rich experiences that are also family-friendly.

This tour suits curious foodies, families with kids, and anyone wanting a taste of Korea’s traditional snack-making without the fuss. It’s a meaningful, practical way to connect with local culture, especially for those who appreciate good food, storytelling, and photos to remember their trip.

This experience made our article of 3 Best Workshops & Classes In South Korea (With Prices).

Key Points

Authentic Korean rice cake making: Learn from a certified expert about traditional rice cake techniques.
Vegan and kid-friendly: All ingredients are plant-based, making it suitable for various diets.
Short and convenient: Just 2 hours, perfect for a quick cultural fix near Gimpo Airport.
Memorable keepsake: Take home a box of six pastel rice cakes, plus a personalized photocard.
Storytelling element: Hear stories behind rice cake culture, from festivals to cafes.
Small group size: Intimate experience with a maximum of 10 travelers for personalized attention.

A Closer Look at the Experience

While in South Korea, here are other experiences we've covered

Location and Accessibility

The tour begins at 39-15 Sugi-ro, Gochon-eup, Gimpo, a location conveniently near public transportation and just a short drive from Gimpo Airport. This makes it ideal for travelers with tight schedules or those in transit. The fact that it ends back at the starting point means you won’t have to worry about transportation logistics afterward.

The Host and What You’ll Learn

Jihyun, your guide, is a native Korean passionate about healthy, traditional cuisine. She’s certified in Korean Cuisine and Tteok (rice cake) crafting, and her enthusiasm shines through. She began studying culinary arts to serve healthier dishes to her family, and now she shares her knowledge with visitors eager to understand Korea’s rice cake traditions.

During the class, you’ll get your hands dirty—literally—by touching rice powder, kneading, and learning steaming techniques. Jihyun explains the tools and methods clearly, making it accessible even if you’re new to cooking. The emphasis on 100% plant-based ingredients means you’ll mix colorful, vegan powders, design your own rainbow rice cakes, and use molds to shape your creations.

What You’ll Do

The experience is designed as a blend of interactive learning and tasting. You’ll knead rice flour into a dough, then steam your colorful rice cakes. As they cook, you’ll sip Korean teas made from seasonal ingredients, appreciating not just the taste but also the storytelling behind rice cake festivals and modern cafes.

Once your cakes are ready, you’ll pose with your colorful creations at the “rainbow zone” photo corner—perfect for sharing on social media or keeping as a memento. You’ll then box up your six pastel rice cakes, which serve as a tasty souvenir or gift.

The Cultural Significance

Jihyun shares stories about rice cakes’ role in Korean festivals, such as harvest celebrations, and how they’ve evolved into modern café treats. These narratives give you a richer understanding of Korea’s food culture beyond just cooking. It’s a chance to see how tradition and modern life blend in Korea’s culinary scene.

While you're exploring South Korea, here are other experiences we've looked into

The Value of the Experience

At $72.38 per person, this class offers strong value considering the personalized instruction, the cultural stories, and the memorable takeaway. You’re not just learning a recipe—you’re exploring a piece of Korean life. The PDF recipe and photocard add to the thoughtful experience, making it a meaningful memento.

Group Size and Atmosphere

With a maximum of 10 travelers, the class maintains an intimate, friendly vibe. Reviews highlight how welcoming and enthusiastic Jihyun is, making the class feel more like a fun gathering than a formal lesson. This small group size also ensures plenty of time for questions and personal attention.

Suitability and Best Use

This experience is ideal for families with kids, vegetarians and vegans, and culinary explorers who want a quick yet meaningful cultural activity. It’s perfect for a short stopover or as a unique addition to a broader Seoul itinerary. If you’re interested in food storytelling, hands-on activities, or simply want to bring home a personalized piece of Korea, this class fits the bill.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is this tour suitable for children?
Yes, the class is kid-friendly and designed to be fun and engaging for all ages. Kids can enjoy touching and shaping the rice cakes under supervision.

Do I need to have cooking experience?
Not at all. The instructions are straightforward, and the focus is on fun and learning rather than perfection. Jihyun guides you step-by-step.

What are the ingredients used?
All ingredients are plant-based, making this a vegan-friendly experience. You’ll use vegan powders and traditional tools, ensuring everyone can participate comfortably.

How long does the class last?
The experience takes about two hours, including making, steaming, tasting, and taking photos.

Is transportation provided or needed?
Transportation isn’t included, but the meeting point is near public transportation options, and it’s a short drive from Gimpo Airport.

What do I take home?
You’ll receive a box of six colorful pastel rice cakes along with a custom photocard and a PDF recipe to recreate your creations later.

Can I cancel if my plans change?
Yes, you can cancel free of charge at least 24 hours in advance for a full refund. Cancellations less than 24 hours before are non-refundable.

To sum it up, the (Gimpo) Korean Rice Cake Cooking Class is a charming, accessible way to connect with Korea’s culinary traditions in a short amount of time. Whether you’re a family with kids, a vegan traveler, or a curious foodie, you’ll find value in the hands-on approach and cultural stories. The intimate setting, expert guidance, and memorable keepsakes make it more than just a cooking class—it’s a small window into Korea’s vibrant food culture. If you want a meaningful, authentic experience close to the airport, this workshop offers a sweet and satisfying taste of Korea’s rice cake tradition.