Why ‘Korea's olive oil', perilla seed oil, deserves to be trending around the world
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'If you go to Italy, you know that olive oil is a staple that represents the country,' he says. The chef, who was speaking about the evolution and expansion of hansik, or Korean cuisine, said: 'Perilla oil is something we use [in Korea] that should be known more.'
The golden oil, known in Korea as deulgireum, is derived from cold-pressing the seeds of the perilla plant – a fragrant herb better known by its Japanese name, shiso. It has a distinctive nuttiness and herbal quality, with a slight aniseed finish.
'You can incorporate perilla oil in salad dressings,' Son says, doubling down on the idea that the ingredient should be seen in the same realm as a good quality extra virgin olive oil.
Chef Son Jong-won of Seoul's Eatanic Garden shared his thoughts about the evolution and expansion of Korean cuisine at a talk at Korea House in March 2025. Photo: Korean Food Promotion Institute
He is not the only proponent of perilla seed oil. In March 2024, during an intriguing presentation on Korean ingredients, co-head chef Kim Do-yun of one-Michelin-star Yun Seoul – known for his appearance on Netflix reality cooking competition Culinary Class Wars – gave everyone in the audience a little noodle taster and a tiny bottle of perilla oil to take home.
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