South Korea is moving ahead with plans to establish a new culinary school dedicated exclusively to Korean cuisine, aiming to welcome foreign students as early as the second half of this year.
The Ministry of Agriculture, Food and Rural Affairs announced Monday that the proposed institution, tentatively named “Sura School,” will focus on training international learners interested in mastering Korean cooking. The initiative comes as Korean food continues to gain traction worldwide, fueled by the global popularity of K-culture, from K-pop and dramas to Korean restaurants and street food.
According to the ministry, the school will begin with a pilot program before a full launch, allowing officials to refine the curriculum and teaching model. The project is designed to cultivate skilled ambassadors of Korean cuisine who can introduce authentic flavors and techniques abroad.
Final approval for the plan is expected at a national policy coordination meeting later this week, chaired by Prime Minister Kim Min-seok. If endorsed, Sura School would mark one of the government’s most concrete efforts yet to formalize Korean food education for a global audience.
Agriculture Minister Song Mi-ryung said the timing is ideal, citing growing international recognition of Korean cuisine. “The global standing of Korean food has never been higher,” she said in a statement. “Through Sura School, we hope Korean cuisine can be firmly established as an independent culinary category, rather than being seen as a passing trend.”
While details such as the school’s location, enrollment size and course offerings have yet to be finalized, officials have indicated the program will emphasize both traditional cooking methods and modern interpretations. The curriculum is also expected to reflect Korea’s regional food heritage and culinary philosophy.
The initiative aligns with broader government efforts to expand Korea’s soft power through food, building on the success of K-food exports and the rapid spread of Korean restaurants overseas. By training foreign chefs directly in Korea, officials believe the country can strengthen authenticity and elevate the global perception of its cuisine.
If successful, Sura School could become a gateway for aspiring chefs and food professionals from around the world seeking to deepen their understanding of Korean flavors — and help ensure that Korean food’s global rise is built to last.