First of all, I want to thank God for the talent in cooking that He has blessed me with, for letting me walk with good people at all times, and for always guiding me to live with gratitude and in abundance.
To my lifelong partner, Kyungsun, thank you for being my bestfriend, encourager, and helper.
To my beloved children Maya and Daniel, thank you for performing your roles well in your respective positions.
To my mother, thank you for the lifelong prayers and for always supporting me.
To my eternal friend and my self-proclaimed manager, Chef Reggie, thank you for always encouraging me to move forward and for giving me the best opportunities. Life in the Philippines is happier and my dreams come true because of you!
I would also like to express my gratitude to the publisher, Anvil, and staffs JP Meneses, Trisha Antonio, and Paolo Jose, who have helped me and Chef Reggie in every step of the way to put this cookbook together.
Finally, to all the readers out there who will cook and try Korean food with the help of this book, thank you. I hope your table becomes richer and healthier.
God bless you all! Happy cooking and eating!
Lily Min
My dad, Joe Aspiras, used to say, “If it is meant to be, there’s no stopping it. If it isn’t, there’s no forcing it.” If I were to believe this, as I do, then this book is meant to be.
Serendipity is when the universe conspires and conspire it did.
First, I fell in love with K-dramas. The romance then flourished into a deep respect and appreciation for Korean culture, heritage, traditions, and cuisine.
As fate would have it, I met Director Lee Jin Cheol of the Korean Cultural Center (KCC) who so warmly welcomed me to their fold. I soon found myself celebrating Chuseok at the KCC, making songpyeon with my “Seoul sister” and now dearest friend, Lily Min. In between, we clinked cups filled with sikhye amidst joyful chants of “Geonbae!” While celebrating autumn’s eve, I became part of the family. The honor of being appointed as a member of the K-Culture Friends of the KCC is the highlight of my K-journey.
This cookbook is my tribute: a gesture of my appreciation and a token of my warm affection for a nation that, through their dramas, have brought me so much joy and inspiration.
To my Anvil team, JP, Trisha, PJ, and Arianne, I am grateful for all that you do for me. Know that your efforts are cherished and appreciated. Kamsahamnida! 감사합니다!
To my dearest Lily, my co-author, your friendship has been such a gift and a blessing! Saranghae! 사랑해!
To the loves of my life, Diego, my Manangs Aida, Babot, and Cristy, and my angels in heaven Mom, Dad, Manong Boy, and Manang Vicky, this too, is for you. Maewoo sarang hapnida.
To my angels and my mighty God, I am ever so grateful for my cooking hands and the abundance of the universe. Hananimgge yunggwangeul olryedrimnida. 하나님께 영광을 올려드립니다!
Reggie Aspiras