Please describe your menu selections at Geonbae.

My favourite menu is barbecue. I like to convey the traditional Korean barbecue flavour. We want our customers to have fun at the table, enjoy the taste and have an amazing meal.

What makes you different?

The World Health Organization introduced Korean food as a nutritionally balanced model. Bibimbap, which is one of the biggest sellers on the menu, is healthy, natural food (with a) variety of fresh ingredients. The barbecue is prepared with special Korean traditional marinades. In the Korean fried chicken dish you will be able to taste high-quality chicken flavours that are different from those of other fast-food restaurants with an emphasis on keeping the outside crisp and the inside moist. The front-of-house staff (serve) the guests in a professional and friendly manner while explaining a little about Korean culture and food. Our wish is for guests to leave feeling enlightened and content.

What do you enjoy doing in your spare time?

I like to see my friends and try new restaurants. While Korean cuisine is my favourite, it is good to experience various countries’ food because we are in Melbourne where various cultures co-exist. I go to church to recover my exhausted mind, travel to enjoy the wonderful scenery, and relax and sing while playing the piano.

What advice do you have for an aspiring chef?

It takes a lot of time and effort to become an expert. Take your time to learn and be patient.

And be prepared to do various things, not just cooking. I sometimes do the dishes and trim many vegetables. Cleaning is the same with all the staff. Remember, it’s not just all roses.