Watching Koreans cook in all those films and TV shows has had its inevitable effect on Thai viewers. There are Korean restaurants popping up all over, from Bangkok to Chiang Mai.

But tummies were still growling, so Srithai Superware Plc chairman Sanan Angubolkul got actress Yang Mi-Kyung and a top Korean chef to show hungry Thai fans how to cook japchae.

The "Cook and Keep Workshop" was held recently at the Grand Hyatt Erawan Bangkok.

Yang is, of course, one of the stars of the immensely popular Korean TV series "Daejangeum". She plays the kind-hearted culinary mentor to Jang-geum.

In real life Yang is a devoted wife and mother, and she's also found time to host a TV show that promotes Korean food and culture. Sanan's got her touting his company's Lock & Lock brand as well.

"She shines with her sweet personality, culinary passion and family devotion," he says. "She takes good care of her family, making delicious and nutritious dishes. Her feminine appeal and convincing portrayal of the cooking genius Han Sang-gung make her a perfect ambassador for the brand."

Yang's compatriot, chef Yoon Hee-Souk, won top honours at the World Cooking Competition 2006. He explained that japchae - stir-fried glass noodles with mixed vegetables - is commonly eaten to celebrate auspicious occasions. The stickiness of the glass noodles symbolises the strong bond among everyone joined at the table.

Juthamas Cholthavornpong

The Nation