Pune, Mar 17th: A decade of redefining luxury hospitality in the city, Conrad Pune has quietly shaped Pune’s hospitality landscape, becoming a destination where global perspectives, world class experiences and international flavours come together to create memorable dining moments. As the hotel celebrates ten years in Pune, it marks the milestone with an experience that reflects its international spirit of bringing the culinary soul of Seoul to the city.
This March, the hotel’s award-winning pan-Asian destination k-o-j-i presents The Spirit of Seoul, an immersive dining experience curated by Chef U Geon Jin of Conrad Seoul. Taking place from 20th to 29th March, this special takeover offers guests a rare opportunity to experience Korean cuisine through one of Seoul’s most refined culinary voices.
For Conrad Pune, this exclusive dining experience reflects a philosophy that has defined the property since its opening: that dining is far more than what appears on a plate. It is about culture, stories and the moments shared on the table. Over the years, the hotel has welcomed culinary leaders and traditions from around the world, transforming its restaurants into spaces where global gastronomy unfolds with authenticity and elegance. With The Spirit of Seoul, that journey turns towards Korean cuisine that is celebrated for its balance of flavours, quiet complexity and deep-rooted traditions.
At the heart of the experience is Chef U Geon Jin, whose culinary philosophy is rooted in precision and deep respect for tradition. With years of experience in Korean fine dining, his cooking reflects the delicate interplay of fermentation, technique and ingredients that define the cuisine. Known for presenting dishes that celebrate both complexity and simplicity of Korea’s culinary heritage, Chef U draws inspiration from traditional Korean kitchens, allowing the natural character of each ingredient to shine while preserving the integrity of time-honoured methods.
For the anniversary menu of The Spirit of Seoul, Chef U Geon Jin curates a menu that offers diners an intimate introduction to Korean cuisine and its culinary heritage. The journey begins with a refreshing soup Doenjang Guk (Korean Bean Paste Soup with Spinach) or Kimchi Jjigae (Cabbage Kimchi Soup with Pork), moving to cold appetizers Jooksoon Chae and Saeu Naengchae and hot appetizers Dubu Gangjeong, Dak Gangjeong and Tteokbokki. Every dishe highlights the crisp textures and bright flavours served at the beginning of a Korean meal. From there, the experience unfolds through handcrafted Kimbap to Mandu Dumplings (savoury), vibrant Naengchae salads and deeply comforting dishes like Jjigae Stews, bowls of Bibimbap, Myeon and more, each layered with flavour and tradition. The menu concludes with the gentle sweetness of Hotteak, a beloved Korean dessert that brings warmth and nostalgia to the table. Each dish reflects the essence of Korean dining where food is meant to be savoured slowly and enjoyed in the company of loved ones.
Sharing his thoughts Chef U Geon Jin says, “Bringing the warm and flavours of Korean cuisine to Pune is a special experience for me. It offers an opportunity for guests here to discover the heart of Korean cooking, a cuisine that is deeply rooted in balance, tradition and joy of sharing food together. My hope is that diners not only enjoy the flavours but also leave with a sense of the warmth and generosity that define our culinary culture.”
As the hotel celebrates a decade of welcoming guests from around the world and creating memorable experiences, Abhishek Sahai, General Manager, Conrad Pune reflects on the milestone, “As we celebrate ten years of Conrad Pune, it felt natural to mark the occasion through the language we know best – exceptional dining experience. Over the past decade, our restaurants have brought global culinary traditions to the city, offering guests the opportunity to discover new flavours and cultures. The Spirit of Seoul is a wonderful extension of that vision, bringing the expertise of Chef U Geon Jin from Conrad Seoul to Pune and creating an experience that feels both distinctive and memorable.”
Set against the contemporary elegance of k-o-j-i, The Spirit of Seoul promises an experience that feels intimate and immersive where precision and technique meet heartfelt hospitality and where the vibrant culinary culture of Seoul finds a place in the heart of Pune. As Conrad Pune steps into its next decade, this experience stands as a reflection of the hotel’s vision of creating journeys that bring the world a little closer, one thoughtfully curated dish at a time.
Listing Details:
What: The Spirit of Seoul Marking the 10-year anniversary of Conrad Pune
Venue: k–o-j-i, Conrad Pune
Dates: 20th – 29th March, Lunch – 12:30 pm to 3:30 pm & Dinner – 7:00 pm to 11:30 pm
