Why Otogi’s Cooking School and Ramen Center Are a Must-Visit for Families in 2026?

[The Public — Reporter Sujin Yoo] Ottogi announced on April 21 that it will revamp the Ramen Research Center and Cooking School it runs in partnership with KidZania, the global children’s career-experience theme park.

For 16 years, Ottogi has operated the Ramen Research Center and Cooking School to give kids hands-on programs that help them build a positive relationship with food and cooking.

At the Ramen Research Center, children don researcher uniforms and create their own cup ramen. At the Cooking School, they step into the role of chef and cook dishes using Ottogi products.

Ottogi and KidZania reopened both venues after renovations in April 2023 to offer a more modern, comfortable experience. By 2025 the attractions ranked first and second in annual visitor numbers, and total attendance since reopening has topped 2.22 million.

This latest refresh was designed to deepen immersion by strengthening program content and improving the spaces where kids experience the activities.

At KidZania Seoul’s Cooking School, Ottogi introduced a new ketchup-driven menu — Red Horse Ketchup Rice & Ketchup Heart Potatoes — to amp up the interactive fun. In Busan, the company completely overhauled both the Ramen Research Center and Cooking School, improving visitor flow and layout to create a more comfortable environment. The spaces were decked out in Ottogi’s signature yellow and feature the brand’s mascot, Yellows, so kids feel more welcome and energized.

To celebrate the relaunch, Ottogi is hosting a 55th-anniversary event for Ottogi Ketchup. Under the theme “Ketchup’s 55th Birthday Party — Play, Snap, Get Gifts!”, the festivities run from April 24 through May 5 in the central plaza on the 5th floor of KidZania Busan. Visitors can enjoy a 4×4 picture-matching game using food illustrations that pair with ketchup, a 55th-anniversary photo zone, and a lineup of other family-friendly programs.

An Ottogi spokesperson said, “This renovation strengthens our hands-on content and the spaces so children can enjoy the Ottogi brand even more. We will continue expanding brand experiences through interactive programs tailored to kids’ perspectives.”