Korean culture has stepped boldly into the modern zeitgeist, setting trends and introducing new terms and vocabulary to fans around the globe. Korean designer Kim Min-ju made history in 2020 by winning Netflix’s first reality fashion series, Next in Fashion, while the Korean show Maybe Happy Ending won Best Musical on Broadway at the 2025 Tony Awards.
The past few years have seen the Korean wave spread far and wide, and it shows no signs of slowing down. From sizzling cuisine to glowing skincare, here’s where and to experience the joys of Korean culture in the City of Gold.
Culinary explorations
Often considered one of the world’s most popular street foods, fried chicken takes an elevated turn with the addition of Korean flavours and cooking techniques. It’s a tasty option at fine dining establishments and a testament to the ubiquity of Korean food.
Sandton’s award-winning Zioux restaurant offers Korean chicken wings with gochujang and slaw, while branches of Fireroom, such as at Montecasino and Mall of Africa, feature Korean Fire Beef with gochujang, vegetables, and steamed rice.
While Korean dishes can be found on the menus of many Asian-inspired restaurants, there’s a growing number of eateries in Johannesburg that focus exclusively on Korean cuisine. These dedicated spots offer a wider range of authentic, regional specialities, giving diners a deeper taste of Korea’s culinary diversity.
In Parkmore, Banchan Korean Restaurant delights diners with Mandoo (Korean dumplings), stonepot bibimbap, and kimchi served in a variety of ways, such as in pancakes or as a topping on dishes. Korean BBQ is also drawing patrons who enjoy grilling their food to taste at places like Surasang Korean BBQ & Hotpot, which has branches in Parkhurst and Sunninghill.
For those who want to enjoy Korean street food or snacks, several Market Kokoro branches offer a range of items such as sauces, noodles, rice, condiments and seasonings as well as drinks. Some of the locations, such as Rivonia, Linden, and Fourways, also have eat-in facilities that serve freshly made food like gimbap, onigiri, and gyoza.
Glowing reviews
Extending beyond just cosmetics, the cult of Korean beauty also includes a trending 10-step skincare routine to help create the coveted “glass skin” look.
YourLuxury Africa Beauty Editor Ingrid Wood explains that the regimen includes multiple hydrating, brightening, and nourishing products. “While all these steps may seem high maintenance, prioritising your beauty routine and self-care will ultimately result in low-maintenance, natural beauty,” she says.
Korean cosmetics exports are reported to have soared nearly 21 per cent to a record $10.2 billion in 2024. That’s thanks in some small way to Joburg beauty shops that carry a variety of K-beauty products from sheet masks to essences, lotions, toners, and moisturisers.
In Sandton City, ARC has a dedicated K-beauty stand that features popular brands like Mixsoon, Erborian, CosRX and Beauty of Joseon, as well as emerging brands such as Biodance, Skin1004 and Barulab.
In Fourways Mall, Mykoco offers a retail experience solely dedicated to Korean cosmetics. Viral favourites are stocked (when they’re not sold out!), but they also have some lesser-known brands such as Numbuzin, Abib and Purito. Additionally, make-up products such as lipsticks and tints, eye shadow, and mascara, as well as nail polishes, are stocked.
