Bae Han-sung, owner of Cheongpungok Seolleongtang, adds chopped green onions to a bowl of seolleongtang at his restaurant in Gangbuk District, Seoul, May 29. Korea Times photo by Jung Da-bin
When asked what remark gives him the greatest satisfaction, Bae Han-sung, 51, owner of the seolleongtang restaurant Cheongpungok Seolleongtang in northern Seoul, said that the compliment he liked most to hear was that the taste was always the same.
Could a cook really prefer hearing that his food is consistent rather than delicious?
"Taste is subjective," Bae explained. "Even a famous restaurant may not appeal to everyone. But if customers say the food tastes the same every time they visit, that's something I can control. That makes me happy."
The way Bae talks about cooking resembles a scientist discussing an experiment. His background helps explain why.
