Our artisans
We present the finest Korean artisans - masters of traditional methods passed down through generations, with focus on natural, high quality ingredients.
Some artisans are Korean Food Grand Masters (대한민국식품명인), officially recognised by the South Korean government as a master of traditional Korean culinary heritage.
There are only 83 active Grandmasters, uncompromising in their pursuit of quality, tradition, and heritage.
기순도 Kisoondo
370 years of ganjang 간장
Grand Master 기순도 Ki Soon-do preserves 양진재 Yang Jin-jae family’s 370 year legacy. That legacy is symbolised by the more than 1,000 장독 jangdok (earthen pots), in which the jang mature, surrounding the family house.
She preserves the 370 year old seed soy sauce, used only for the most special of occasions. It was served at the banquet for the US presidential state visit of Korea, with the president dining on soy sauce older than the US itself.
Her 간장 ganjang (soy sauce) is crafted from only 3 ingredients: non-GMO soybeans, bamboo salt, and purified water drawn from 160m underground; all
100% Korean.
And now, we warmly share the heritage and experience with you.
순창문옥례 Sunchang Moon Okyre
7 generations of 고추장 gochujang
Crafted by 1 of 83 recognised Korean Food Grand Masters (1 of just 2 for gochujang), 조정현 Cho Jung-hyun, with traditional methods passed down for 7 generations.
His mother, 문옥례 Moon Ok-rye, was also recognised as a Grand Master.
Made in the Sunchang region, amidst the unique terrain, climate, and famously pure water, using 100% Korean ingredients.
Their gochujang is the culmination of all this knowledge, time, and sincerity, creating a depth of flavour.
And now, we warmly share the heritage and experience with you.
만나당 Mannadang
Indulgence of royals
For over 60 years, Mannadang has handcrafted 한과 hangwa, including 약과 yakgwa, in the same tradition as was made for Kings and Queens of Joseon.
Artisan 황지현 Hwang Ji-hyun and his wife, 홍정화 Hong Jung-hwa, continue the legacy of Hwang Ji-hyun's father, 황문철 Hwang Moon-chul, who started Mannadang in 1963, and served his creations to the Blue House (President's residency), and celebrations and feasts of numerous public figures and celebrities.
Their craft descends from the last head of the Joseon royal kitchen, 한희순 Han Hui-sun.
And now, we warmly share the heritage and experience with you.