'Kimchi Ambassadors' in Barcelona: Shin Jin-ho and Kwon Kyung-ae Run KimchiMama
Creatrip Team
2 months ago
After leaving a 20-year public service career, Shin Jin-ho (64) and his wife Kwon Kyung-ae (60) opened KimchiMama in Barcelona in 2016 to share authentic Korean cuisine and culture. The small restaurant, known for true fermented flavors and spicy dishes like kimchi jjigae and je-yuk rice bowls, attracts mostly local customers and has become a trusted “real Korean restaurant” through an industry certification mark the couple helped introduce. KimchiMama runs monthly kimchi classes (kimjang workshops) for locals—50 sessions over nine years—teaching fermentation, rice cooking, vegan kimchi alternatives, and food pairings (e.g., makgeolli). Shin’s unusual journey—from university bassist and central government official to Barcelona resident, author, and restaurateur—helped him promote Korean food and culture through books, talks, and community programs. Celebrating its 10th anniversary, KimchiMama plans e-books and culinary travel experiences to further spread Korean cuisine in Europe.
