Kim Yongdae, who has built a reputation for trust in the local dining industry by operating "Mr. Kimchi King" and "Mr. Tuna King" in Changwon, touched the local community by providing warm meals to late bloomers in celebration of the year-end.
▲ Kim Yongdae, CEO, smiling brightly in the store after serving a warm meal to late bloomers at the end of the year.
During the year-end period, Kim offered free, carefully prepared meals to students attending night classes. He said, "I always felt concerned for students who had to eat late," and added, "I wanted to offer even a small comfort to those exhausted from work and study."
The prepared menu maintained its quality by using the same ingredients as those served to regular customers, and the students expressed their gratitude, calling it "a gift beyond just a meal."
For 15 years, he has been a hands-on operator, never missing a single day at the restaurant, personally handling cooking and inspections. He oversees every step himself, from preparing ingredients and making over ten side dishes to managing hygiene and serving customers.
His management philosophy is clear: "Honest ingredients, a bowl rooted in basics." This philosophy was fully reflected in the year-end sharing with students.
The meals provided to the students were not just "event menus," but dishes of the same quality as those served to regular customers. Kim said, "Food is the most honest way to convey one's heart," and added, "I wanted to use even better ingredients for the students."
The late bloomers who received the year-end meals said in unison, "Each day of studying was tough, but a warm meal became a great comfort."
"I want to give back the love I have received." Since opening his restaurant, Kim has grown alongside the local community.
His diligence and consistency have spread by word of mouth, and his restaurant has now become a representative dining spot in the Changwon area. He said, "Customers must feel comfortable for the community to thrive," and added, "My role is to share the love I have received from the community."
Inspired by this year-end act of sharing, Kim plans to continue supporting students and local residents in the future.
He emphasized, "Food is not just a meal, but a way of sharing one's heart," and added, "If I can warm someone's day, that is enough for me."
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