[Report] 40,000 Applicants So Far... 1-Hour Quick Meal 'Ottogi Cooking Class'

On the 19th at O'Kitchen Studio
Former Home Site of Late Founder Ham Tae-ho
Even 'Yo-al-mot' Can Cook Easily

"Over the three years of operating 'O'Kitchen Studio,' the cumulative number of applicants has exceeded 40,000. Since only 8 people are selected per class, the competition rate is intense at 20 to 1."

Ottogi's O'Kitchen Studio celebrated its 3rd anniversary this year. O'Kitchen Studio is a space designed to allow consumers to experience the brand through cooking experiences, moving beyond the simple act of purchasing and eating food. Located in Nonhyeon-dong, Gangnam-gu, Seoul, this place was also the former home site of Ottogi's founder, the late Honorary Chairman Ham Tae-ho. It is a meaningful location that embodies Chairman Ham's wish to donate his home for use as a space for consumers and employees.

On the 19th, a cooking class for the media was held at O'Kitchen Studio, which celebrated its 3rd anniversary. Ottogi

When visiting O'Kitchen Studio on the 19th, the studio gave off a warm and comfortable atmosphere using Ottogi's signature yellow color. The space was charmingly decorated with a cooking zone for preparing food, a dining zone to eat the cooked dishes, and a photo zone with various objects and backdrops, allowing consumers interested in cooking or seeking new experiences to enjoy a delightful food culture.

That day’s cooking class featured dishes such as tuna pearl rice balls, grilled chicken thigh skewers, and mini meatball burgers, all using Ottogi products. Ottogi independently developed 380 recipes exclusively for the cooking classes.

The biggest feature of the cooking class is that everything is prepared so anyone can easily cook. Not only are all ingredients prepped, but detailed explanations on how to use cooking tools and appliances are provided. The recipes placed on the cooking counter specify how many minutes to fry each dish in the pan. If needed, participants can also receive help from instructors at O'Kitchen Studio, enabling even 'yo-al-mot' (people who are not good at cooking) to prepare a respectable meal. It took less than an hour to make all three dishes.

On the 19th, a reporter made tuna pearl rice balls, direct-fire grilled chicken thigh skewers, and mini meatball burgers using Ottogi products. Photo by Hanyeju.

The popularity of O'Kitchen Studio, where people can try making various menus themselves, continues to grow steadily. The official Instagram account of O'Kitchen Studio has increased its followers to 48,000. In August last year, to communicate with more consumers, Ottogi also opened 'O'Kitchen Cooking House' in Busan.

With no separate participation fee and a variety of cooking classes offered, interest is rising not only among domestic participants but also foreigners. In fact, the 'K-Food Class' conducted for foreigners has received great responses. This class, held in English or Japanese, teaches how to make bulgogi, japchae, kimbap, and other K-foods, establishing itself as a space where participants can directly and indirectly experience Korean food culture.

An Ottogi representative said, "As the trend emphasizing fun and experience spreads mainly among younger generations, the number of customers visiting O'Kitchen Studio is expected to increase further."