If you have been following the global sensation “Culinary Class Wars 2” (흑백요리사 2) on Netflix, you already know the struggle. Booking a table at the contestants’ restaurants is currently harder than getting front-row tickets to a BTS concert. Reservations are fully booked months in advance, leaving many foodies—both locals and tourists—wondering if they’ll ever get a taste of that “Michelin-level” magic.
However, in Korea, the bridge between high-end dining and everyday life is surprisingly short. Enter the Korean Convenience Store (CVS). Major chains like GS25, CU, and E-Mart24 have pivoted faster than a chef’s knife, collaborating with the stars of the show to bring gourmet flavors to your local corner store.
As a local expert living in the heart of Seoul, I’ve seen these items fly off the shelves. Here is your ultimate guide to the “Culinary Class Wars 2” collaboration products you must try.
1. GS25: The Heavy Hitters of Gourmet Grab-and-Go
GS25 has secured some of the biggest names from the show, focusing on elevated versions of classic Korean and Japanese-style snacks.
Chef Choi Kang-rok: The Master of Flavor Depth
- Flying Fish Roe & Pollock Roe Egg Rice Ball ($1.25 / 1,700 KRW): Known for his obsession with savory depth, Chef Choi brings a Japanese-inspired Onigiri. The pollack roe is oven-roasted to eliminate any fishy scent and maximize nuttiness, mixed with wasabi mayo and a sweet Japanese-style tamagoyaki (omelet). It’s a masterclass in balance.
Chef Woo Jeong-uk: “Seoul Mom’s” Comfort Food
- Seoul Mom Beef Bulgogi Gimbap ($2.80 / 3,800 KRW): Based on her famous “Gajigaji Gimbap” brand, this roll doubles the amount of toppings compared to standard CVS gimbap. It’s hearty, authentic, and tastes like a home-cooked meal from a top-tier Korean kitchen.
Chef Choi Yu-gang: High-End Seafood for $3
- Lobster Sandwich ($2.95 / 4,000 KRW) & Lobster Salad ($3.60 / 4,900 KRW): Collaborating with his renowned restaurant Kojacha, Chef Choi brings luxury to the chilled section. The sandwich features fresh greens and lobster salad tossed in dill mayo, while the salad offers lobster shoulder meat with a spicy chili-mayo kick.
2. E-Mart24: The “Family Meal” Concept by Chef Son Jong-won
Chef Son Jong-won, known for his refined technique, focused on the “Family Meal”—the high-quality food chefs prepare for their own staff.
| Product Name | Price (approx.) | Key Highlight |
| Tteokgalbi Hansik Bento | $4.35 (5,900 KRW) | Includes high-end side dishes like Ueong-japchae and Cheongpomuk. |
| “Mom’s Side Dish” Triangle | $1.60 (2,200 KRW) | A 4-course meal in one bite: dried shrimp, anchovies, and radish. |
| Napolitan Spaghetti | $4.05 (5,500 KRW) | Topped with a juicy hamburg steak and smoky bacon. |
| Avocado CBLT Sandwich | $3.10 (4,200 KRW) | Rich guacamole meets spicy sriracha mayo. |
The Tteokgalbi Bento is the standout here. It doesn’t feel like “convenience” food; the inclusion of mung bean jelly (Cheongpomuk) and burdock glass noodles (Ueong-japchae) gives it the feel of a traditional Korean fine-dining spread.
3. CU & Seven-Eleven: Innovation and Spirits
While GS25 and E-Mart24 focus on meals, CU and Seven-Eleven are playing with seasonal ingredients and premium lifestyle products.
CU x Chef Kim Ho-yoon (Kitchen Boss)
- Spring Herb Shrimp Porridge ($2.35 / 3,200 KRW): Using the exact recipe from the competition, this porridge features rape blossoms and water parsley for a clean, refreshing taste.
- Gat-Kimchi (Mustard Leaf) Dumplings: These unique pink-skinned dumplings are filled with pungent, aromatic mustard leaf kimchi, offering a sophisticated twist on a classic snack.
Seven-Eleven x Chef Choi Kang-rok
- Neo 25 White (Premium Soju): Chef Choi isn’t just about food. His premium distilled soju became an instant legend, with the first 10,000 bottles selling out in just 3 days. If you find this on the shelf, grab it immediately—it’s a collector’s item for K-Culture fans.
Beyond these featured items, a vast array of other collaborations—ranging from ready-to-heat meal kits to exclusive dessert lines—continues to hit the shelves as more chefs from the show join forces with major retailers.
Why This Matters: The “CVS Gourmet” Trend
The “Culinary Class Wars” effect has transformed the perception of convenience store food in Korea. It is no longer just a “quick fix” for students; it has become a legitimate way to experience chef-curated gastronomy.
Local Pro Tip: Most of these items are released in “waves.” If you see a “Sold Out” sign, check back at the store around 10:00 PM or 8:00 AM, which are the typical restocking times for fresh food in Korean convenience stores.
Conclusion: Which Chef’s Dish Wins Your Vote?
The beauty of this trend is the accessibility. You don’t need a 3-month reservation to understand why these chefs are at the top of their game. You just need a few thousand won and a nearby GS25 or CU.
A certified Korean chef and baker. Min shares authentic tastes of Korea, from hidden local gems to traditional recipes and everyday lifestyle.
