Arirang Prime Ep182 Localization of Korean Food Globalization of Korean food, is it possible? In this fast-paced era of globalization, does Korean cuisine have a place among other culinary cultures? Despite these uncertainties, some Korean restaurants have been promoting our food culture abroad for years. Take a look at some Korean restaurants that have already obtained a competitive edge in the world market. France, the birthplace of gourmets. London, the heart of Europe. Last but not least, Spain that's newly under the spotlight! In the beginning, Korean restaurants abroad targeted Korean residents and visitors. The few restaurants that focused on the locals had to adapt the food, menu, the interior design and management to local taste and standards. Shin Jung and Ace Gourmet in Paris; Koba and Kimchee in London; and Seoul Jung in Barcelona. These Korean restaurants have integrated well into the European society with their original ideas grafted onto Korean traditional culture. Shin Jung, listed in the Michelin Guide for 11 consecutive years This Korean restaurant has guarded its spot for 13 years and stops the footsteps of locals that pass by. Korean food awareness hardly existed in the beginning. But through undeterred efforts to promote Korean food and friendly, top-notch service, Shin Jung has won over the hearts of Parisians, In order to provide the customers with the best ingredients, the owner goes to one of the biggest markets in Europe, Rungis Market, everyday. She is currently working on the "gujeolpan" (a dish with nine delicacies) to provide her customers with a new menu. Meet the delightful owner of Shin Jung, who's passionate to spread Korean food. Ace Gourmet, The Korean Fast-Food French people eat slowly, taking time to bond with each other during their meals. However, they also know how to eat quickly, healthy and well. Ace Gourmet is the "spot" for these French people. Various choices and various foods, all at an unexpensive price. Who said fast-food was unhealthy? Visit Ace Gourmet to see healthy Korean fast-food full of different colors and tastes. Koba, one of London's 10 best restaurants Koba, the pioneer of Korean food in Europe, is derived from the words "Korean" and "barbecue." Despite the expensive price, why is this place always full of customers? Cooking their own meat on the table is interesting and fun to British locals. Only 6 months after it opened, Koba was selected as one of London's 10 best restaurants by Remy Martin Awards. Competition is fierce in London where big franchises and international food brands coexist, but Koba gains its competitive edge by changing the menu every 6 months to create new food trends. Kimchee, popularizing Korean food in the heart of London Kimchee, the first Korean franchise restaurant, has received a lot of attention since it was launched. What's its secret? Firstly, it's the biggest Korean restaurant in Europe. The interior is filled with celadons and porcelains, illustrating traditional Korean culture. The restaurant communicates the traditional image of the Korean culture through various traditional events. Next stop is Spain, the new spotlight among international gourmets. Between the street performances and merry Spanish music, one beloved Korean restaurant, Seoul Jung, greets its customers. The Spanish and Korean culinary cultures are similar yet different. To the Spanish locals, the charm of Korean food is that it's healthy food. One regular of the restaurant first discovered the establishment in a restaurant guide and fell in love with the service and the food of Seoul Jung. Traditional Korean food is now a "Blue Ocean" sector. It's set to outrun even Chinese and Japanese cuisines and represent the whole of Asian cuisine. Korean restaurants abroad strive to spread the traditional taste and culture of Korea by interacting directly with the local communities. Arirang Prime visits successful Korean restaurants in Europe that have been published in press and media and analyze how they have gained a competitive edge in Europe.

• published: 05 Feb 2014
• views: 0