Dive into Korea’s Seafood Splendor: “12 Seas” Takes the Stage
Get ready to feast your eyes and tantalize your taste buds! BBC Studios Asia is teaming up with Studio JanChi, the delightful minds behind hits like “Korean Pork Belly Rhapsody” and “A Nation of Kimchi,” to bring you “12 Seas” (working title), a mouthwatering four-part series that promises to plunge deep into South Korea’s bountiful seafood culture.
A Culinary Adventure Like No Other
Imagine roaming the picturesque coastline of South Korea across the changing seasons, all while savoring the secrets of its iconic seafood dishes. This is the culinary journey that famed Chef Edward Lee and beloved actor Ryu Soo-young will embark on, and you won’t want to miss it!
From Shore to Table: The Art of Seafood Harvesting
In this enchanting series, watch as our duo:
-
Brave Rocky Shores: Channeling their inner adventurers, they’ll hunt for wild seaweed using the traditional "Ttulidae" method. Each wave that crashes against the shore whispers tales of ancient Korean techniques, connecting culture and cuisine.
- Join Local Fishermen: Experience the magic of centuries-old bamboo fish traps as they catch anchovies straight from the clear blue waters. There’s something deeply fulfilling about knowing where your food comes from, and “12 Seas” captures that essence beautifully.
The Creative Spark Behind “12 Seas”
Ryan Shiotani, Senior VP Content at BBC Studios Asia, couldn’t contain his excitement: “We were immediately drawn to their concept for ‘12 Seas’! It offers BBC Earth audiences a unique lens through which to appreciate Korea’s vibrant seafood culture!” With support from the Korea Creative Content Agency (KOCCA), this collaboration is set to bring Korean stories to the world like never before.
Heonseok Baek, CEO of Studio JanChi, echoes this enthusiasm: “Korea, with its three distinct seas and over 3,000 islands, has an extraordinary seafood narrative waiting to be told.”
Mark Your Calendars!
When can you catch this cultural feast? “12 Seas” is set to air in 2026 on BBC Earth and BBC Player across Asia, with global distribution from BBC Studios outside Korea. If you’re a fan of food documentaries, this promises to be a must-watch!
What’s Cooking in the World of Korean Seafood?
As we anticipate this delicious series, here are a few ways you can dive into Korean seafood dishes right now:
-
Try Your Hand at Making Kimchi Fried Rice: Incorporate some fresh seafood and spicy gochujang for a delightful twist.
-
Experiment with Gamasot (earthenware pot): Cook up some Maeuntang (spicy fish stew) featuring the freshest catch of the day!
- Explore Seaweed Salads: Harness the power of miyeok, the Korean seaweed, for a nutritious and tangy side dish.
In Conclusion
"12 Seas" is not just a culinary exploration; it’s an invitation to experience Korea’s rich maritime heritage in a way that connects food lovers everywhere. So set your appetites and be ready to feast on the vibrant flavors of South Korea’s sea—coming soon to your screen!

Covers wellness, nutrition, mental health, and daily life tips.
Bio: Talia brings a background in health journalism and holistic living to help readers live better, one tip at a time.