The Backpacker Chef
The Backpacker Chef (Korean: 백패커; lit. Backpacker; RR: Baekpaekkeo) is a South Korean variety television program that airs on the cable channel tvN, in which a team of celebrity chefs and entertainers travels to undisclosed locations to prepare customized meals for clients using limited tools and ingredients packed in backpacks, often supplemented by items sourced on-site.[1] The show emphasizes improvisation, creativity, and the challenges of cooking in extreme environments, ranging from mountains and seasides to urban or rural settings.[2] The first season premiered on May 26, 2022, and ran for 20 episodes until October 6, 2022, airing Thursdays at 8:40 p.m. KST.[3] It featured chef Paik Jong-won as the team leader, alongside actor Oh Dae-hwan (a former military cook), actor Ahn Bo-hyun, and rapper DinDin, who together tackled missions to cater for groups with specific preferences, such as hikers or fishermen, while navigating time constraints and minimal equipment.[4] The format highlights Paik's expertise in quick, efficient cooking techniques, combined with the cast's humorous interactions and physical efforts to gather ingredients or set up outdoor kitchens.[5] A second season launched on May 26, 2024, introducing a partially refreshed cast that retained Paik Jong-won and Ahn Bo-hyun while adding comedian Lee Soo-geun, comedian Heo Kyung-hwan, and actor Go Kyung-pyo to enhance group dynamics and large-scale meal preparations.[6] This season expanded on the original concept by incorporating more diverse clients, including military units and community groups, and continued the tradition of secretive mission envelopes revealing destinations and requirements just before departure.[7] The second season concluded on November 10, 2024, after 24 episodes, maintaining the show's focus on accessible, innovative recipes adaptable to everyday viewers.[8]Concept and format
Premise
The Backpacker Chef is a South Korean reality television series that combines elements of travel and culinary arts, challenging a team led by celebrity chef Baek Jong-won to deliver instant catered meals in unexpected and often remote locations using minimal equipment. The core format revolves around the cast members traveling with only a single backpack each, containing essential tools such as basic utensils, a portable stove, and limited pre-packed ingredients, to transform any space—whether a mountain trail, seaside spot, or urban venue—into a functional kitchen.[9][4] The "backpacker" theme imposes strict constraints to emphasize improvisation and resourcefulness, with the team prohibited from using external kitchen facilities or excess supplies beyond what fits in their packs. Additional ingredients are acquired on-site through creative means, such as completing missions assigned by the production crew, bartering with locals, or sourcing from the immediate environment, ensuring that meals are prepared efficiently under time pressure. This setup highlights the educational value of the show, demonstrating how simple, accessible techniques can yield high-quality dishes even in challenging circumstances.[2][10] The program targets diverse clients, including remote villagers in need of communal meals, residents of correctional facilities, or attendees at events like sports gatherings, where the team must customize dishes to suit group sizes and preferences on the spot. By focusing on quick, practical recipes rooted in Korean cuisine, The Backpacker Chef promotes the idea that flavorful, nutritious food can be created anywhere with ingenuity, blending the thrill of travel with hands-on cooking lessons for viewers.[9][4]Episode structure
Each episode of The Backpacker Chef follows a structured progression designed to highlight the challenges of impromptu catering in unconventional settings. The cast arrives at an undisclosed destination equipped solely with backpacks containing compact cooking tools, basic ingredients, and minimal equipment, transforming the site into a temporary kitchen.[4][5] The team receives mission details through request forms or cards, often revealed just before departure or upon arrival, specifying the number of servings (often 100 or more), meal types, and deadlines. This segment builds anticipation and sets the stakes, emphasizing adaptation to client needs like dietary preferences or thematic requests. Season 2 introduced minor format adjustments, including earlier disclosure of mission keywords and greater focus on team collaboration and sustainable practices.[11][12][13] A recurring "backpack unpacking" segment follows, where the cast reveals and organizes their limited supplies, often leading to humorous discoveries or improvisations. Team roles are then assigned based on members' strengths, with Baek Jong-won serving as head chef overseeing seasoning and final touches, while others handle tasks such as ingredient preparation or carrying supplies.[5][12] Ingredient acquisition presents a key challenge, relying primarily on backpack contents but allowing limited purchases from nearby markets if permitted, subject to budget constraints introduced in some episodes to simulate real-world efficiency. The cooking process unfolds under strict time limits—typically four hours or less—fostering team dynamics through collaborative problem-solving, occasional mishaps for comedic effect, and practical tips on techniques like quick-prep methods or resource optimization.[11][5] The episode culminates in meal service to the clients, followed by reactions and feedback that evaluate taste, presentation, and overall satisfaction, often incorporating light games or reflections to underscore the emotional impact of the catering. Later episodes incorporate rules like eco-friendly sourcing to promote sustainable practices, adding layers to the challenges without altering the core flow.[12][10]Cast
Season 1 cast
The first season of The Backpacker Chef, which premiered in 2022, featured a core ensemble of four regular members whose diverse backgrounds complemented the show's premise of combining culinary expertise with travel and improvisation challenges. Leading the group was Baek Jong-won, a renowned South Korean chef and entrepreneur known for revitalizing struggling restaurants in programs like Alley Restaurant.[14] As the primary mentor, Baek provided strategic guidance on menu planning and cooking techniques using limited backpack resources, drawing from his experience in high-pressure food consulting shows to ensure efficient group meals.[15] His selection as host was rooted in his established reputation for accessible Korean cuisine education across multiple TV formats, allowing the team to tackle unexpected locations with professional precision.[5] Complementing Baek's expertise, actor Oh Dae-hwan served as the comedic assistant, bringing humor to foraging and ingredient acquisition tasks through his quick-witted banter and exaggerated reactions. Previously recognized as a "scene stealer" in films like Veteran, Oh's playful energy lightened tense moments during hunts, fostering early team camaraderie by diffusing frustrations in remote settings.[5] His casting aligned with Baek's prior variety collaborations, where supporting personalities added levity to culinary missions.[16] Actor Ahn Bo-hyun acted as the athletic helper, leveraging his physical prowess for demanding tasks such as carrying heavy loads and setting up outdoor kitchens in rugged terrains. With a background in modeling and action-oriented roles, Ahn's reliability—earning him nicknames like "Born Arm" for his strength—contributed to the group's mobility and setup efficiency, enhancing the season's dynamic of on-the-go preparation.[9] DinDin, a rapper and entertainer, rounded out the team as the mood booster, infusing episodes with musical improvisations and enthusiastic participation in tastings to maintain high spirits. His variety show experience helped bridge entertainment with practical duties, creating a balanced chemistry where his outgoing personality encouraged collective problem-solving. The season incorporated rotating guests for specific challenges, adding fresh interactions unique to the 2022 episodes, such as singer Kim Dong-jun in episode 5 for a performance-themed meal and musician Young K from Day6 alongside chef Fabrizio Ferrari in later outings to assist with international flavor adaptations.[17] These appearances highlighted the original lineup's adaptability, setting the stage for evolved dynamics in subsequent seasons.Season 2 cast
The second season of The Backpacker Chef, which aired from May 26 to November 10, 2024, featured a refreshed cast designed to build on the original's success while introducing new dynamics through comedy and expanded teamwork. Returning members Baek Jong-won and Ahn Bo-hyun provided continuity, while newcomers Lee Soo-geun, Heo Kyung-hwan, and Go Kyung-pyo brought fresh energy, shifting the tone toward more humorous interactions and efficient large-scale cooking challenges.[6][18] The core cast included:| Member | Role and Background |
|---|---|
| Baek Jong-won | Retained as the lead chef and main host; a renowned Korean restaurateur and television personality known for shows like Paik's Cuisine, he oversaw menu planning and cooking demonstrations throughout the season.[6][19] |
| Ahn Bo-hyun | Returning regular for familiarity and physical tasks; an actor recognized for roles in dramas such as Flex x Cop and My Name, he handled backpack carrying, ingredient foraging, and assisting in preparations, maintaining his "reliable team player" persona from season 1.[6][20] |
| Lee Soo-geun | New addition as a host-like figure; a veteran comedian and MC with over two decades in variety shows like The Master of Marriage, he injected witty commentary and led group banter to enhance viewer engagement.[6][19] |
| Heo Kyung-hwan | New comic relief; a comedian famous for his exaggerated humor on programs such as The Great Escape, he focused on lighthearted mishaps during challenges, amplifying the season's comedic elements.[6][19] |
| Go Kyung-pyo | New versatile assistant; an actor noted for versatile roles in Reply 1988 and Prison Playbook, he supported mass cooking efforts and adapted to diverse tasks like shopping and setup in remote locations.[6][19] |