I am a typical Korean-American housewife, who struggles daily to cook for her family. I decided to make this blog in hopes that perhaps my recipes and tips might help others who enjoy cooking Korean food. I spent half of my life in Seoul, Korea specifically in gangnam and the other in the US, now residing in New York. Growing up in Seoul as well as my bi-yearly visits to Korea helps the “authenticity” of my recipes. At the same time, understanding frustrations of young American cooks who struggle with various obstacles making Korean dishes from finding easy recipes to buying good ingredients gives me a valuable perspective for this blog. One approach I decided to make is to simplify Korean cooking as much as possible. More importantly, in many of my posts as you will see, I make multiple dishes that taste like a totally different dish using only one main ingredient and/or sauce. This not only simplifies the daily cooking process but also reduces wastes of leftovers, ingredients and most importantly stress.
I started cooking every day since 2006 when my mother collapsed from a major stroke. I quit my job in the arts and became her full-time caretaker. At the time, my dear friend, Dr. Aether who practices Korean medicine advised me that one of the best things I could do was to cook for my mother every day. Cooking two to three meals on a daily basis at age 27 was daunting to say the least. However, he convinced me by saying that the expression “soul food” shows how important food is for not only the body but for the soul; nourishment and healing for the body and soul. Simple as that, I was to cook for my mother whether it tasted good or bad, and that is how my struggle with daily cooking began. I am happy to say after almost 7 years, my mother is much healthier as well as the rest of the family. Actually there are times when I think my husband benefits the most as he is well known to enjoy a good meal.
Please feel free to contact me at gangnamkitchen@gmail.com.
GANGNAM KITCHEN 
Hello, I hope all is well with you and your family. I found you because I was looking for a baesuk recipe, and I’m hoping to try some others from your blog in the future because your food looks delicious. I haven’t eaten a lot of Korean food but I am a fan of kimchi. I linked to you from my post about nashis 🙂
Thank you so much, Michelle! Please let me know if you have any questions~~~ 🙂
I always thought I’d focus on Korean cooking one day and that day has arrived – in pursuit of my mother’s health. Bless you for posting simplified Korean recipes. Your blog is a godsend. I have a feeling I’ll be visiting your blog for other recipes as my mother’s appetite returns. Believe me, your efforts are very much appreciated! The oxtail soup recipe alone has made a big difference. I love how you documented that simple recipe with step by step photos. Again, much thanks!
Dear Jenny,
Thank you so much for your kind words. I will pray for your mother’s health…
Hello. Greetings from Iceland. I and my husband love Korean dishes. I never realize how much I love to cook until I moved here. I try to prepare all kinds of dishes. From time to time I would prepare Korean dishes. Recently, I and my husband visited my sister in LA. And tried a couple of Korean restaurants. My fondness for Korean dishes expound further 🙂 And after we came back to Iceland, I started to look for more Korean dishes. And I found your blog. Am I really glad. Your blog is very informative ( like what to buy and how to store… ) I have some of the main ingredients you’ve stated and I’m excited to try out your recipes. By the way, I do agree with what your doctor friend’s advise 🙂
Greetings from Seoul… I am visiting friends and family in Korea right now. I am so happy to hear that I was able to help you with Korean cooking! Please let me know if you have questions~ and yes, he is a very wise friend 🙂
I just stumbled upon your blog after Googling “Anchovy broth” and read your amazing story. Your mom is very lucky!
Though it looks the blog has been dormant for a while, I hope you continue to share your wisdom and insight on Korean cooking.