(Yonhap)

Representing Oriental Brewery’s Cass beer in TV ad campaigns, Michelin-starred chef Gordon Ramsay took to local markets during his time in Korea, local media outlet Dispatch reported Monday.

Upon Ramsay’s arrival at Incheon Airport on Friday, many Koreans flocked to the airport to greet the British celebrity chef, holding signs, banners, masks and fans.

(Yonhap)

During his stay, the chef chose to visit Gwangjang Market -- the oldest traditional market in central Seoul’s Jongno. Shoppers at the market, including many Cass consumers, reported engaging in conversation with Ramsay while eating next to him.

They also reported seeing Ramsay try Korean food that pairs well with beer, such as nokdujeon (pan-fried mung bean and vegetables), kimchi and tteokbokki (spicy rice cakes). The chef also could not resist trying out Gwangjang Market’s most famous mayak kimbap, or “drug kimbap.”

(Yonhap)

By Catherine Chung (cec82@heraldcorp.com)