About us
Food takes us home.
Share the colors, smells, joys, and stories of Korean food
Who We Are
Taste Korean Food was created by a "board-certified plastic surgeon" with over 20 years of clinical experience in Seoul, South Korea. After completing training at one of Korea's top university hospitals and strength in advanced plastic and reconstructive surgery, our founder has dedicated his career to understanding the science of beauty—both inside and out.
With "published research in internationally recognized medical journals" and international surgical training in Taiwan and Spain, our medical perspective brings a unique scientific lens to Korean cuisine—exploring how traditional Korean ingredients support skin health, anti-aging, and overall wellness.
As a "member of the Korean Society of Plastic and Reconstructive Surgeons"—the official body certifying Korea's plastic surgery specialists under the Ministry of Health—every piece of health-related content on this site is grounded in medical knowledge and clinical experience.
Why a Surgeon Created a Food Website
People often ask me: why would a plastic surgeon create a Korean food website?
The answer begins in the operating room. After twenty years of reconstructive and aesthetic surgery, I've seen firsthand how profoundly nutrition affects healing, skin quality, and the aging process. Patients who eat well recover faster. Their skin holds elasticity longer. The connection between what we put on our plates and what we see in the mirror is not abstract—it is clinical reality.
But it was a personal moment that turned this professional observation into a mission. When my child left Korea to study abroad, I realized something that stopped me in my tracks: I had never properly taught them to cook Korean food. The “doenjang-jjigae” that had anchored our family dinners, the “kimchi” my own mother made every autumn, the simple comfort of a warm bowl of “gukbap” on a cold day—these weren't just meals. They were home. And I almost let them disappear across a generation.
In Korean tradition, there is a profound saying: “약식동원 (藥食同源)” — "Food and medicine share the same origin." Modern nutritional science increasingly confirms what Korean ancestors understood intuitively: what we eat directly impacts our health, our skin, and how we age. From the collagen-rich bone broths of “seolleongtang” to the probiotic power of “kimchi” and the antioxidant richness of “gochugaru”, Korean food offers an extraordinary pharmacy of beauty-boosting ingredients.
That realization led me here. I started documenting recipes—not as a chef, but as a “doctor who understands both the science and the soul of Korean food”. Every dish on this site is something I've cooked in my own kitchen, tested for clarity, and examined through a medical lens. When I write about the benefits of fermented foods or the skin-nourishing properties of certain ingredients, I'm drawing on decades of clinical knowledge—not trends.
Taste Korean Food is my way of preserving what matters: authentic Korean cooking, shared with the world, and understood through science.
What We Cover
Authentic Korean Recipes
Step-by-step guides to traditional and modern Korean dishes, from everyday home cooking to restaurant-quality meals. Every recipe is tested, photographed, and explained with precision.
“K-Beauty Kitchen: Korean Food for Skin Health” A unique section where medical expertise meets Korean culinary tradition. Discover how specific Korean ingredients and dishes can support your skin health, slow aging, and boost your natural beauty—backed by scientific evidence and clinical insight from a practicing surgeon.
“Korean Restaurant Guide” An interactive map-based guide to help you discover Korean restaurants near you—from casual Korean BBQ spots to fine dining. Each listing includes authentic reviews and insider tips.
“K-Trend” The latest trends in Korean food culture, from Seoul's hottest food scenes to emerging global K-Food movements, slow-aging trends, and the intersection of Korean beauty and nutrition.
Our Editorial Standards
All health and nutrition content on Taste Korean Food is written or reviewed by a board-certified plastic surgeon with expertise in dermatology and skin science. We are committed to:
“Medical Accuracy” — Health claims are supported by peer-reviewed research and clinical experience. We cite scientific sources where applicable.
“Cultural Authenticity” — As native Koreans based in Seoul, we ensure every recipe and cultural reference is authentic to Korean tradition.
“Transparency” — We clearly distinguish between established medical evidence and traditional beliefs. Korean food wisdom is valuable, but we always note when scientific confirmation is still emerging.
Join Our Community of Korean Food Lovers
This website is more than just one person's journey—it's a platform for anyone who shares a passion for Korean cuisine. Whether you're a busy parent trying to cook healthier meals, a student far from home missing Korean flavors, or someone curious about how Korean cuisine can enhance your wellness, we want to make these recipes accessible and achievable for your kitchen.
We believe that the best stories and insights come from real people with genuine experiences, which is why we invite Korean food enthusiasts from all backgrounds to become contributing editors. Korean food culture is rich and ever-evolving, and we'd love to see your interpretations and experiences with it.
Thank you for joining us on this journey of discovery, tradition, and delicious food. Let's cook, share, explore, and celebrate Korean cuisine together.