MAT-MUT Box: K-LIFE, K-SOUL
A cultural journey with a lecture, an interactive box experience, and a Bibimbap tasting.
Co-Presented by Korean Cultural Center New York, Korea Craft & Design Foundation
Monday, October 13, 2025 @ 2 pm
Tuesday, October 14, 2025 @ 6 pm
Korean Cultural Center New York
(122 E 32nd Street, New York, NY 10016)
Admission: Free (Pre-registration is Required)
* RSVP is required and seatings are first come, first served.
* Reservations will close when at full capacity.
The Korean Cultural Center New York (KCCNY) is delighted to present a special program entitled “MAT-MUT Box: A Taste of Korean Elegance”, co-hosted with the Korea Craft & Design Foundation.
This program introduces the Hansik Culture Box, an interactive educational kit distributed globally to share the essence of Korean cuisine and aesthetics. The MAT-MUT Box brings to life the philosophy of Korean food, seasonal customs, regional food traditions, and the artistry of Jang (fermented sauces) through an immersive hands-on experience.
Rooted in Korea’s culinary heritage, the program invites participants to rediscover the meaning of Mat (taste) and Mut (aesthetics) through all five senses. From learning about the cultural and historical depth of Hansik, to exploring the beauty of Korean plating and condiments, to creating your own bibimbap with diverse seasonal ingredients, the MAT-MUT Box offers an engaging cultural journey that celebrates the elegance of Korean food.
At this special event, join us to experience Korean cuisine not only as nourishment but as an artistic expression of heritage, flavor, and beauty.
🔳 EVENT HIGHLIGHTS
Lecture: The Philosophy of Hansik
Explore Korea’s culinary traditions, seasonal customs, and the artistry of plating with visual and cultural insights.Hansik Culture Box Exploration
Hands-on learning with curated materials, food models, and cultural artifacts.Bibimbap Making Experience & Tasting
Create your own bibimbap with seasonal ingredients while tasting and comparing diverse Korean sauces (jang), from early soy sauces to aged varieties and specialty condiments.
🔳 ABOUT THE INSTRUCTOR
Kim Min-ji, F&B Visual Director & Food Stylist
She is an accomplished F&B Visual Director and Food Stylist whose artistry bridges film, dining, and design. Her filmography includes acclaimed works such as Modern Boy, The Unjust, Assassination, The Handmaiden, The King’s Letters, and The Book of Fish, as well as television dramas including Tastefully Yours, Aema, and Queen Woo. She is widely recognized for her expertise in culinary coaching for actors, food authenticity consulting, and directing the visual narrative of food scenes.
Beyond the screen, Kim has made her mark in the F&B industry by developing restaurant concepts, storytelling-based menus, and distinctive plating and tableware designs. Her collaborations with leading brands span advertising, photography, and interior direction, reflecting her keen eye for detail and aesthetic sensibility.
As an exhibition artist and lecturer, she continues to share her insights into food culture and spatial aesthetics, inspiring both professionals and students to appreciate the harmony between cuisine, design, and cultural expression.
Lee Bo-bae, Chef & Founder of Bobae Bapdaepyo
Dr. Lee is a celebrated chef, Ph.D. in Culinary Studies, and certified Korean Master Chef devoted to preserving and sharing Korea’s jang (fermented sauces) tradition. For over two decades, she has meticulously handcrafted soy sauce, doenjang, and gochujang, safeguarding authentic Korean flavors while introducing them to global audiences.
She rose to national prominence as the Gyeonggi Province representative chef in Korean Food Master: Hansik Daecheop (Season 1) and continues to engage the public through programs such as EBS PD Log. Her culinary philosophy emphasizes that food is more than taste—it is a vessel of stories, culture, and heartfelt dedication.
Through her restaurant Bobae Bapdaepyo, Dr. Lee offers dishes that embody the richness of Korea’s fermentation heritage, inviting diners to experience not only deep flavors but also the warmth and spirit woven into each creation.
* This program is presented by the Korean Cultural Center New York and is supported by the Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism of Korea and the KOFICE (Korean Foundation for International Cultural Exchange) as part of the "Touring K-Arts" project.