While running around Seoul last week, I noticed that many restaurants post signs reading: "As seen on TV," followed by the name of the program on the local networks.

Back at my hotel, the television was chockablock with food-related programs.

Food finds and news and lifestyle are trends on Korean television. Nearly every day, it seemed that there was programming about specialty restaurants that have been around for many years but remained under the radar. Koreans have long assumed that hotels have the best restaurants in town, but that perception is changing — these days neighborhood restaurants are fully booked and quite affordable.

TV producers travel around South Korea looking for local specialty restaurants for shows aimed at chowhounds. They explain what makes the eateries so popular.

The food ranges from fresh seafood to dishes as simple as ramen. As the camera finds its way into the restaurant, the customers — usually regulars — are happy to take part in the program, talking about why they've been faithful customers for so many years. Then the camera goes into the kitchen and follows the owner as he or she makes the signature dish, revealing the secret recipe.

South Koreans love to eat out. I asked a network executive what has prompted the sudden boom in food-oriented television shows.

The answer I got:

1. People love food shows and, as in any metropolitan city, want to know the latest hot spots around town.

2. Food shows are easy on the production budget — no big hallyu stars are needed, location shooting does not require special effects or lighting, and restaurant patrons are free talent!

4. The production crew gets to eat a great meal after filming.

5. Restaurants love the free publicity.

6. Food shows appeal to every age group and to both genders.

7. The ratings are great.

These days food shows are moving beyond local restaurants, exploring restaurants worldwide. There are also health-oriented food shows where a specific dish is prepared using ingredients that are good for conditions such as diabetes or high blood pressure.

If you visit Seoul and see restaurants displaying posters that tout their appearance on television, they may be worth a try (ask for the specialty, of course).

Jeff Chung is general manager of KBFD that televises K-dramas. If you have questions or comments, you can reach him at (808) 521-8066 or jeffchung@kbfd.com.

THIS WEEK'S K-DRAMA SYNOPSES

'INFAMOUS CHILL SISTERS'

EPISODES 55 AND 56

Tonight at 7: Shin-ja crashes Seon-taek's and Deok-chil's wedding. The wedding ends in chaos when Myong-ja throws herself at Shin-ja, trying to stop her. Myong-ja finds out her mother has been secretly planning a wedding — find out for whom!

Tonight at 8: Deok-chil's family gets together for Thanksgiving, but the dinner is ruined by Deok-chil's stepdaughter Sora. Dal-goo wallows in self-pity as she spends her Thanksgiving in a care home.

'LOVER'

EPISODES 13 AND 14

Tomorrow at 7:50 p.m.: As Kang-jae and Yu-jin leave for dinner, Miju and Sae-yeon come home. It's an awkward moment, but the four end up going to dinner together. As they're coming home from dinner, Kang-jae abandons Yu-jin on the street. Miju comes home to find Kang-jae banging at Yu-jin's door.

Tuesday at 7:50 p.m.: Miju tells Sae-yeon that his mother has sent her a chauffeur. Yoon tells Sae-yeon about Kang-jae's secret. Yu-jin tells Kang-jae the truth about the baby.

'QUEEN OF THE GAME'

EPISODES 3 AND 4

Wednesday at 7:50 p.m.: Pil-seo punches Sin-jeon when he tells him not to interfere in his relationship with Eun-seol. Chairman Kang collapses. Sin-jeon and Eun-seol visit the temple where Eun-seol's mother's remains are kept.

Thursday at 7:50 p.m.: Chairman Kang is offended by Sin-jeon's threatening remarks, and is floored when he sees Sin-jeon and Eun-seol together. Chairman Kang tells Eun-sol never to see Sin-jeon again. However, Eun-seol stands up her blind date.

'GREEN ROSE'

EPISODES 21 AND 22

Friday at 7:50 p.m.: Synopsis not available.

Saturday at 7:50 p.m.: Final episode. Synopsis not available.