Gwangju Seo-gu Holds Special Lecture Inviting Ma Okcheon and An Yuseong, Korea's Master Craftsmen

Seo-gu, Gwangju Metropolitan City announced on the 28th that it held a ‘Master Craftsman Success Special Lecture’ the previous day, inviting Ma Okcheon and An Yuseong, masters of South Korea.

Master Ma Okcheon (in the bakery and pastry field, CEO of Bebier) introduced the process from starting a small bakery to achieving success that surpassed the reputation of large corporate franchises under the theme of ‘Slowly and Sincerely.’

Seogu District invited Maokcheon and An Yuseong, Korean Masters, on the 27th to hold a 'Master Success Special Lecture.'
[Photo by Seogu District]

Master Ma said, “When I first started the bakery, I decided to be the store that opens first and closes last,” adding, “That diligence made Bebier what it is today.”

Master Ma captivated consumers’ tastes with products utilizing local specialties such as ‘Mudeungsan Bread’ and ‘Goheung Yuzu Bread,’ and holds a management philosophy of ‘a bakery that nurtures people,’ actively working to strengthen the capabilities of employees.

Master An Yuseong (in the culinary field, CEO of Gamae Ilshik), known as the president’s sushi chef, shared his success story under the theme of ‘Globalization of K-Food.’

Master An said, “I have walked one path for over 40 years since 1990,” and added, “The spirit of challenge that never gives up, as shown by earning the title of ‘South Korea Master Craftsman’ for the seventh time, was a great stepping stone for success.”

Master An has contributed to popularizing traditional Korean fermentation techniques using local specialties and advancing the culinary field, and has devoted much effort to nurturing young entrepreneurs and developing the food service industry through international cooking competitions and sushi championships.

Kim Ikang, head of Seo-gu who attended the special lecture, urged, “I ask our young entrepreneurs to inherit the good and kind values conveyed by the South Korean masters and create a precious driving force for realizing a kind city, Seo-gu.”

Meanwhile, Seo-gu will conduct the ‘Master Craftsman Success School’ with South Korean masters to lead the growth of young entrepreneurs in the food service sector.

Applications are being accepted until the 31st, and any food service entrepreneur aged 19 to 39 who has been in business for less than seven years within Seo-gu can apply.

Next month, Seo-gu plans to select five candidates in the culinary field and five in the bakery and pastry field through document and on-site evaluations, and operate a one-on-one customized program where masters will pass on their success know-how such as recipe advancement, hygiene management, and marketing.

Shin Dongho, Honam Reporting Headquarters, Asia Economy baekok@asiae.co.kr