CreatripTeam

Lee Geum-hee, the executive chef of Bongraeheon at The Mayfield Hotel in Gangseo-gu, Seoul, has been named among the 2025 ‘100 Taste of Seoul’ picks. She is the only female executive chef leading a Korean restaurant in a Seoul five-star hotel and has spent over 30 years dedicated to Korean cuisine. Emphasizing that the essence of han-sik (Korean cuisine) lies in sincerity and patience, Chef Lee preserves the spirit of royal court set menus (gungjung hanjeongsik) through handmade sauces (jang) and time-honored kimchi fermentation. Bongraeheon, the sole selection from Gangseo District, blends traditional and modern approaches, uses hotel-run farm seasonal produce, and is housed in a hanok (traditional Korean wooden house) built by master carpenter Lee Il-gu, noted for its high ceilings and pine aroma. The selection highlights Bongraeheon’s role in expanding Seoul’s southwest culinary map and reaffirming its authenticity as a local 5-star hotel Korean dining landmark during Seoul Gourmet Week, the city’s flagship project to promote Seoul’s food culture worldwide.