Kwon Woo-joong is the visionary chef behind Kwonsooksoo in Seoul, South Korea. With a career dedicated to celebrating and reinventing Korean cuisine, Kwon has led Kwonsooksoo to earn two Michelin stars. His cooking combines traditional techniques with modern presentation, using high-quality seasonal ingredients.
The Biography
Kwon Woo-joong was born in Seoul, South Korea. His passion for cooking was influenced by his family, particularly his mother, whose father ran one of the most popular North Korean restaurants in Seoul. Kwon completed his culinary science studies at Kyung Hee University, where he deepened his knowledge of culinary techniques and Korean gastronomy.
After graduating, Kwon worked in various high-end restaurants, honing his skills and developing a unique style that blends tradition and modernity. In 2014, he opened Kwonsooksoo, which means "professional chef" in archaic Korean. The restaurant is known for its innovative approach to Korean cuisine, using ancient techniques and local ingredients to create modern and refined dishes.
Kwonsooksoo quickly gained recognition, earning two Michelin stars and becoming one of Seoul's most prestigious culinary destinations. Kwon's philosophy is to explore and highlight the roots of Korean cuisine, using rare ingredients and traditional preparation techniques. The restaurant offers a seasonal tasting menu, featuring dishes such as bellflower root kimchi and bream sashimi with dandelion leaves. Kwon is also known for his meticulous attention to kimchi, producing over 10 different varieties at his restaurant. His dedication to quality and experimentation has earned him the nickname "Kimchi Master's House."
Beyond his work at Kwonsooksoo, Kwon participates in numerous international gastronomic events and conducts masterclasses, sharing his knowledge and passion for Korean cuisine with a global audience. His vision is to elevate Korean cuisine to new levels of recognition and appreciation worldwide.
