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Top chefs break bread in Busan
Chefs and city officials meet at Gastro Domo.
On April 28, Busan hosted Gastro Domo: Future of Busan 2025, a conference devoted to elevating the city's dining and hospitality scene. Industry professionals and city officials gathered at Domoheon, the cultural complex in Suyeong-gu District, to discuss Busan's potential as a global culinary destination.
A who's who of Korean food masters participated in the conference, including Mingoo Kang, chef-owner of the three-Michelin-star restaurant Mingles in Seoul; Jeong Kwan, the Zen Buddhist monk and subject of the Netflix documentary "Chef's Table"; and Jooyeon Jeon, the 2019 World Barista Champion and co-head of Busan-based Momos Coffee.
Also in attendance were chef Ji-hye Kim of the one-Michelin-star restaurant Fiotto and chef Jae-hoon Kim of the one-Michelin-star restaurant Palate.
In the first session, Mr. Kang was joined by big data expert and author Gil-young Song to discuss strategies for advancing Busan's restaurant industry.
Next, Ms. Kim and Mr. Kim, who are not related, from Fiotto and Palate discussed the role of local chefs and the region's unique ingredients in shaping Busan's authentic culinary identity.
City officials view advancing Busan's dining industry as essential to improving its global reputation as a culture, leisure and MICE tourism hub.