From screen to table: Where to try dishes of Netflix’s 'Culinary Class Wars 2' finalists
Chef Choi Kang-rok, right, who was the first to reach the final round of Netflix’s cooking show “Culinary Class Wars” Season 2, serves his dish to judge Anh Sung-jae in a scene from the show. Courtesy of Netflix
With the final episode of Netflix’s popular cooking contest show "Culinary Class Wars" Season 2 imminent, the competition has reached a fever pitch.
On Friday, Netflix spotlighted the top seven participants by revealing new portraits and reflections on the core philosophies that define their cooking.
While veteran chef Choi Kang-rok has already secured his place in the final round, the competition remains fierce between legendary Chinese chef Hou Deok-juk and the rising star known as Culinary Monster for the remaining spot. Here is a guide to the philosophies of these finalists and where you can experience their flavors.
Chef Hou Deok-juk / Courtesy of Netflix
Haobin
Led by the legendary Chinese cuisine master Hou Deok-juk, Haobin is located at the Ambassador Seoul Pullman Hotel in Seoul’s Jung District.
Hou, who secured his spot in the final three, views cooking as a lifelong process of learning and responsibility. "I believe cooking is an endless study," he said, adding that his philosophy is to create food that heals both the body and mind.
At Haobin, he continues to serve his signature dishes like Buddha Jumps Over the Wall, a stew made by simmering luxury ingredients like abalone and sea cucumber for hours, emphasizing his 57 years of experience and his commitment to "honesty in every bowl."
Chef Yun Na-ra, also known as Brewmaster Yun / Courtesy of Netflix
Yunjudang
Yun Na-ra, widely known by her nickname Brewmaster Yun in the show, runs Yunjudang in the trendy Haebangchon neighborhood in Seoul’s Yongsan District.
Her philosophy centers on respecting the seasons, the ingredients and the guests. She joined the competition to showcase the diversity of Korean food culture and to be remembered as a "challenging mother."
Yunjudang is famous for its curated selection of traditional Korean liquors paired with contemporary Korean dishes.
Chef Jung Ho-young / Courtesy of Netflix
Udon Caden
Star chef Jung Ho-young continues to welcome fans at Udon Caden, his specialized Japanese noodle eatery. Jung, who has long been a prominent figure in the Korean culinary scene, sees cooking as a lifelong companion.
"It was a great opportunity to grow both as a chef and mentally," he shared. His restaurant is beloved for its authentic handmade udon, offering a variety of textures and deep flavors.
Chef Choi Kang-rok / Courtesy of Netflix
New ventures for Choi Kang-rok
Choi Kang-rok, the first chef to secure a spot in the final round, has been the center of much discussion for his unique culinary style.
While he previously operated the popular Japanese dining spot Neo, the restaurant officially closed in January 2025. Following his belief that a chef's past experiences serve as the foundation for their current success, fans are now eagerly awaiting his next move.
Chef Lim Seong-geun / Courtesy of Netflix
New Korean dining project by Lim Seong-geun
Lim Seong-geun, the seasoned expert who promoted the beauty of traditional Korean cuisine on the show, is also preparing for a fresh start. Although he does not currently operate a restaurant, he is set to open a new Korean cuisine restaurant in Paju, Gyeonggi Province.
Lim, who compares cooking to the "heart of a mother," shared that he hopes to continue the legacy of traditional flavors while learning from the energy of younger chefs he met during the competition.
Ven. Seonjae / Courtesy of Netflix
Temple food experience with Ven. Seonjae
Ven. Seonjae, the nation’s first master of temple food, does not run a commercial restaurant but instead shares her wisdom through educational programs at venues such as the Korean Temple Food Center.
To her, cooking is a form of spiritual meditation and "living Zen." Through the show, she aimed to share the compassion and simplicity of temple food.
“The act of eating together is a common language that connects us all,” she said, adding she hopes her food brings a small realization and warm sharing to viewers' tables.
Chef Lee Ha-sung, also known as Culinary Monster / Courtesy of Netflix
Culinary Monster’s upcoming venture
Lee Ha-sung, the chef known as Culinary Monster, who is currently competing for the final spot, is in the process of opening his own restaurant Oyatte in New York. He revealed that he joined the show to test himself while preparing for his new business.
"I feel like I am in a new chapter now," he said, noting that the competition allowed him to focus entirely on the art of making food. While the specific location has yet to be finalized, his performance on the show has already ensured that his future restaurant will be a highly anticipated destination.