Hello! It’s Min, your local cultural insider.

Today is a very emotional day for K-Content fans. The grand finale of Culinary Class Wars Season 2 has finally aired! While I won’t spoil the winner here, I want to give a standing ovation to every chef who poured their soul into those pans.

In my last post, we explored the elite “White Spoons.” But honestly? The heart of this season was the “Black Spoons.” These underdogs brought stories of grit, tradition, and pure passion that left us all tearing up between bites. As a certified Hansik and baking expert, I was deeply moved by their technical brilliance.

Here are the 8 “Black Spoon” heroes you need to know, along with the exact locations where you can taste their incredible journeys.

Culinary Class Wars Season 2: The 8 Black Spoon Heroes and Their Soulful Kitchens

These chefs didn’t just cook food; they shared their lives. From New York stars to market legends, here is your verified guide to the Black Spoon pilgrimage.

1. Pig Gomtang in New York: Ok Dong-sik

Chef Ok Dong-sik is a global sensation. He took the humble Korean pork soup (Gomtang) and made the world fall in love with it—even earning a spot on the NYT Best Dishes list!

The Story: His soup is clear, refined, and surprisingly elegant. He proved that “soul food” can be “fine dining” if made with enough heart.
📍 Restaurant: Okdongsik (옥동식)
Address: 44-10 Yanghwa-ro 7-gil, Mapo-gu, Seoul
Check it out: Naver Map Link

2. The Brewing Jumo: Yun Na-ra

Known as “Brewmaster Yun,” she is a master of traditional Korean alcohol. Watching her explain the rhythm of fermentation was like listening to poetry.

The Story: She believes that food and drink must breathe together. Her “Juan-sang” (liquor table) is a seasonal masterpiece.
📍 Restaurant: Yunjudang (윤주당)
Address: 1F, 81-1 Sinheung-ro, Yongsan-gu, Seoul
Check it out: Naver Map Link

3. The BBQ Scientist: Yoo Yong-wook

Chef Yoo Yong-wook started as a salaryman who loved BBQ as a hobby. Now, he is the “Director” of smoke and fire, running one of the hardest-to-book spots in Korea.

The Story: His signature “Beef Rib” is a result of obsessive research into wood, temperature, and time.
📍 Restaurant: Yoo Yong-wook BBQ Lab (유용욱바베큐연구소)
Address: Namyeong Arcade, 5-7 Hangang-daero 84-gil, Yongsan-gu, Seoul
Check it out: Naver Map Link

4. The 4-Pyung Loner: Kim Sang-hoon

Operating out of a tiny, 4-pyung (approx. 13 sqm) space, Chef Kim Sang-hoon focuses on the intimacy of the meal. He defines his space as a “Korean Pub” where the flow of the night is as important as the taste.

The Story: “Dokdo 16 Degrees” refers to the perfect temperature between winter and spring. It’s a place for deep focus.
📍 Restaurant: Dokdo 16 Degrees (독도16도)
Address: 3F, 2 Pilun-daero 5ga-gil, Jongno-gu, Seoul
Check it out: Naver Map Link

5. French Papa: Lee Dong-jun

A veteran of the French classic scene, Chef Lee Dong-jun (also known as Tommy Lee) is the “father” figure many younger chefs look up to. His return to the screen was a heartwarming highlight for everyone in the industry.

The Story: His Bouillabaisse is legendary—a warm, comforting stew that reflects his kind soul.
📍 Restaurant: Bistro de Yontville (비스트로드 욘트빌)
Address: 1F, Ian Building, 13-7 Seolleung-ro 158-gil, Gangnam-gu, Seoul
Check it out: Naver Map Link

6. Iron Arm: Park Ju-sung

Chef Park Ju-sung touched the nation’s heart. Despite a rare condition affecting the muscles in his right arm, he continues to hand-cut buckwheat noodles every single day.

The Story: He uses his shoulder and sheer will to create the perfect texture. His noodles aren’t just food; they are proof of human resilience.
📍 Restaurant: Sobaju (소바쥬)
Address: B1, #22, 75 Keun-umul-ro, Mapo-gu, Seoul
Check it out: Naver Map Link

7. Seoul Mom: Woo Jung-wook

A legendary cooking teacher for 25 years, Chef Woo Jung-wook is the “Mom” of the Seoul culinary world. She brings the refined, clean tastes of classic Seoul home-cooking to the table.

The Story: Her recipes are famous among the elite families of Seoul, but her heart is open to everyone through her restaurant, Super Pan.
📍 Restaurant: Super Pan (수퍼판)
Address: 2F, Hue F Building, 15 Nonhyeon-ro 167-gil, Gangnam-gu, Seoul
Check it out: Naver Map Link

8. Baby Tiger: Kim 시현 (Kim Si-hyeon)

The youngest “rising star” (born in 2000!) who grabbed attention with her fierce skills and adorable nickname. As a disciple of White Spoon Chef Kim Hee-eun, her growth was a joy to watch.

The Story: Don’t let the “Baby Tiger” name fool you—her technical execution in the fine-dining kitchen is razor-sharp.
📍 Restaurant: Solbam (솔밤)
Address: 2F, Baekyoung Nonhyeon Center, 231 Hakdong-ro, Gangnam-gu, Seoul
Check it out: Naver Map Link

The War is Over, but the Feast Begins!

Culinary Class Wars Season 2 has shown us that whether you are a “White Spoon” or a “Black Spoon,” the only thing that truly matters is the flavor and the story you tell. I feel so lucky to live in a city where I can visit all these masters in one day!

♣ Go to related article

Culinary Class Wars Season 2 Review

Culinary Class Wars Season 2: The “White Spoon” Pilgrimage – 5 Elite Chefs and Their Must-Visit Restaurants