S.Korean restaurateur proposes establishing restaurant association in Vietnam

According to Oh Sang Sik, vice-chairman of the South Korean Association in Vietnam and director of the Hanmaeum BBQ chain, there are now about 1,200 South Korean restaurants in Ho Chi Minh City, including 700 specializing in South Korean barbecue.

Oh said Hanmaeum BBQ opened its first Vietnam restaurant in Phu My Hung, an urban area known for its large South Korean community in Ho Chi Minh City.

The business initially targeted Vietnamese customers living there rather than focusing solely on South Korean diners.

“The [Phu My Hung] restaurant initially attracted equal numbers of Korean and Vietnamese customers, but now Vietnamese customers account for around 80 percent,” he said.

Oh said that many South Korean entrepreneurs are eager to expand in Vietnam’s food and beverage sector.

Drawing from South Korea’s experience, he suggested establishing a South Korean Restaurant Association to serve as a bridge between businesses and local authorities, as well as regulatory agencies.

Such an association would keep businesses updated on regulations and policies, help government agencies communicate new rules and monitor compliance, and provide a channel for reporting violations and shaping new policies.

“With an association participating in management and coordination, government agencies would not need to oversee each restaurant individually but could work alongside the association in supervision efforts,” Oh said.

He added that South Korean consumers have also developed a strong appreciation for Vietnamese cuisine.

Oh said his restaurant chain has always sought to preserve authentic Korean flavors in Vietnam.

Similarly, he advised Vietnamese entrepreneurs opening restaurants in South Korea to maintain the original taste of Vietnamese dishes instead of adapting them to local preferences.

“Bring authentic Vietnamese flavors to South Korea and don’t change anything. You will succeed,” he said.