Jason Edwards – Interviews
Finding a real Korean restaurant run by Koreans in Luxembourg has never been easy. Many places offered “Korean‑inspired” dishes, but nothing that truly felt Korean — with the right flavors, traditions, and authenticity.
Then came Tasty Korea. It is the only restaurant that truly convinced me. Not only because of the food, but because of the atmosphere, the team, and the way they welcome guests. Here, you feel the Korean culture of respect, kindness, and craftsmanship — not as decoration, but as a way of being.
That’s what made me want to understand who was behind all this. After several weeks, the opportunity finally came: meeting Cheffe Seo Cheong‑hwa, the woman who brought real Korean cuisine to Luxembourg.
1) Could you introduce yourself and explain how TastyKorea was born?
Cheffe Seo Cheong‑hwa: My name is Seo Cheong‑hwa. I have lived in Luxembourg for 17 years, and Tasty Korea has been open for 5 years. Since there was no authentic Korean restaurant in Luxembourg City, and because a real Korean restaurant was missing, I decided to open my own, as I had learned Korean cuisine.
2) What inspired you to become a chef specializing in Korean cuisine?
Cheffe Seo Cheong‑hwa: I am a Zainichi — a Korean born in Japan — more precisely a third‑generation Zainichi. My grandmother immigrated from Korea to Japan and became very famous for her Korean cooking. Under her influence, I grew up eating many Korean dishes. Thanks to her, I was strongly inspired to open my own Korean restaurant.
3) How would you describe your culinary style and your way of preserving authenticity?
Cheffe Seo Cheong‑hwa: Our restaurant mainly offers traditional Korean cuisine. Even though we are in Luxembourg, in Europe, at Tasty Korea we strive to preserve and offer authentic flavors. It is difficult to find traditional Korean food abroad, especially in Europe. That is why I work hard to maintain these standards and offer the same taste you would find in Korea.
4) Which dish or aspect of your cuisine best represents TastyKorea’s identity?
Cheffe Seo Cheong‑hwa: When I first opened Tasty Korea, I was a bit worried because many people didn’t know Korean cuisine. Since they didn’t know each item on the menu, I had to explain a lot and make efforts to help European customers understand Korean food. But today, Korean cuisine has become so popular and people look for it so much that it is no longer a challenge. I am very happy that many customers enjoy and visit my restaurant.
5) What message would you like to share with readers discovering Korean cuisine?
Cheffe Seo Cheong‑hwa: We opened a Korean restaurant in Luxembourg and have received a lot of love from many people. In the future, I hope Korean cuisine becomes even more famous in many countries. I wish that Koreans who prepare food — and receive so much love from people — continue to offer foreigners authentic Korean cuisine, made with good ingredients and proper techniques.
If you ever visit Luxembourg City and are looking for a real Korean restaurant — a place where you can truly feel Korea for an hour or two — then Tasty Korea is an address I can recommend without hesitation. It is a place where you eat well, yes, but above all a place where you feel Korean respect, kindness, and craftsmanship.
Cheffe Seo Cheong‑hwa and her team have created a small corner of Korea in the heart of Luxembourg. For those who want to discover real Korean cuisine — or simply travel a little without taking a plane — it is the perfect place.