‘Chef of Antarctica’ – The Coldest Kitchen, the Warmest Meals

Paik Jong Won (Baek Jong Won), Korea’s most celebrated chef and TV personality, leads a team to King Sejong Station in Antarctica to cook for the winter crew stationed there. This isn’t just a cooking show—it’s a reality adventure blending food, survival, science, and human connection in the harshest environment imaginable. Episodes 1-2 are now live on Viu, with new episodes rolling out through December. Prepare yourself for a journey where every meal tells a story.​

Synopsis: Cooking at the Edge of the World

The Korea Polar Research Institute’s winter crew lives in Antarctica for an entire year, guarding the base with severely limited electricity and food supplies. Their only luxury? A warm meal. When Paik Jong Won and his team arrive at King Sejong Station, their mission is clear: transform frozen, limited ingredients into dishes that remind the crew what they’re missing from the outside world.​

But here’s the challenge: all ingredients are frozen for long-term storage, and supplies are scarce. With nearly zero margin for error and an unpredictable Antarctic environment, Jong Won must rely on his culinary mastery, creativity, and improvisation. Along the way, unexpected adventures await—from observing glacial changes caused by global warming to connecting with the crew members who’ve been isolated for months.​

Meet the Extraordinary Cast: Chefs and Warriors

Paik Jong Won – The legendary chef who needs no introduction.

A restaurateur, TV personality, and culinary visionary, Jong Won approaches this expedition with both his signature humor and genuine respect for the challenge. His ability to create magic from limited ingredients will be tested like never before.​

Im Soo Hyang – The sous chef who steals the show with unexpected cooking skills and unwavering support.  

Playing a critical role in Jong Won’s kitchen, she brings both technical expertise and emotional depth to the team.​

SUHO (from EXO) – The passionate worker who brings energy to the team.

Beyond his K-pop fame, Suho demonstrates genuine enthusiasm and commitment to the mission.​

Chae Jong Hyeop – Another hardworking team member who tackles the physical and mental challenges of Antarctica with determination.​

What Makes Chef of Antarctica Different From Other K-Variety Shows

This isn’t your typical Korean cooking variety show. Unlike best Korean variety shows that focus purely on entertainment or competition, Chef of Antarctica blends multiple genres: survival reality, food documentary, travel show, and human interest story.​

The setting itself—Antarctica—makes every moment consequential. Weather delays mean supplies dwindle. Frozen ingredients require unconventional techniques. The research crew’s emotional connection to food becomes a meditation on isolation, human resilience, and the power of shared meals. It’s fundamentally a story about how food transcends mere nutrition—it’s about connection, memory, and hope.​

What We Know So Far: Episodes 1-2

Episode 1:

A Doubtful Beginning – Jong Won and the team undergo survival training and practice cooking before their 35-hour journey to Punta Arenas, Chile. The challenge begins immediately as they race against weather conditions to enter Antarctica.​

Episode 2:

King Sejong Station – After a weather delay, the team finally arrives at King Sejong Station. They witness the melting ice walls—visible proof of global warming—and finally meet the winter crew who’ve been waiting for fresh, home-cooked meals.​

Upcoming Episodes on Viu – What to Expect

New episodes are rolling out throughout November and December on Viu:

• Episodes 3-4 – November 24, 2025
• Episodes 5-8 – December 1, 2025
• Episodes 9-10 – December 8, 2025
• Episodes 11-12 – December 15, 2025

(Note: Schedule is temporary and may change based on production updates)​

As more episodes release, viewers will discover how Paik Jong Won and the team navigate the unique cooking challenges of Antarctica, build connections with the research crew, and create meaningful meals in one of Earth’s most extreme environments.

Audience Expectations – Why Chef of Antarctica Matters

Viewers searching for “best Korean variety shows 2025” or “most popular Korean variety shows” are discovering Chef of Antarctica for its fresh concept. Unlike typical Korean variety shows that rely on games or celebrity banter, this series offers something rarer: authenticity combined with adventure.​

The show also taps into global fascination with Antarctica, survival stories, and the therapeutic power of cooking shows. It’s the perfect blend for audiences who love Korean variety shows but crave something beyond typical studio-based entertainment.​

Your Questions, We Answer

Q: Is this a cooking show or a reality show?

A: Both! Chef of Antarctica blends cooking, survival, travel, and human interest storytelling. If you love Korean variety shows with depth and adventure, this delivers on every front.​

Q: Do I need to know about cooking to enjoy this?

A: No. While Paik Jong Won’s culinary skills are showcased, the emotional core—isolation, human connection, and resilience—resonates with everyone.​

Q: Why is Antarctica the setting?

A: Antarctica amplifies every challenge. Limited resources, extreme weather, isolation, and the symbolism of Earth’s changing climate make this more than just a cooking adventure—it’s a meaningful journey.​

Q: How many episodes total?

A: 12 episodes, with new episodes rolling out through mid-December on Viu.​

Q: Where can I watch Chef of Antarctica?

A: Stream exclusively on Viu with subtitles in Traditional Chinese, Simplified Chinese, English, Malay, Bahasa Indonesia, and Thai.​