"Living Report" MC Kim Sung-joo shows keen interest in the entry of Korean cuisine into the Cambodian dining business, which is gaining attention as a high-end food option.
In the MBN·MBC Drama Net entertainment program "Living Report," airing at 10:20 PM on the 16th, baseball legend Kim Byung-hyun appears as a "client" seeking a "customized guide" for success in overseas business.
On this day, Kim Byung-hyun dreams of expanding overseas with a new business following hamburgers, requesting market research with the condition of finding a place that is "close to Korea and has fewer restrictions on foreign business such as visa regulations." In response, Jay Soon confidently recommends Cambodia, which has seen a 22% surge in foreign tourists within a year, showcasing high growth rates. Hwang Hoo-in, who has lived locally for 12 years and is active as a singer, steps in as the "experienced guide" to thoroughly explore the Cambodian dining industry.
The first stop is a 17-year-old handmade burger shop located by the Mekong River, which perfectly matches the taste of "burger shop owner" Kim Byung-hyun. The explanation that the restaurant's popularity lies in its eye-catching Western-style interior and strong seasoning tailored to local tastes prompts Kim Sung-joo to ask, "Can you cater to local tastes?" to which Kim Byung-hyun confidently replies, "I have the know-how accumulated from running a hamburger restaurant for five years." As they head to the hot spot, the Konorea night market in Cambodia, the sight of a tteokbokki stall catches their attention. After tasting it, Hwang Hoo-in expresses surprise, saying, "The smell and taste are similar to Korean tteokbokki," confirming the appeal of Korea's spicy flavors even in the local market.
Next, Hwang Hoo-in visits Korean business owners who have started their ventures in Cambodia to learn their success know-how. The owner of a Korean-style Chinese restaurant with a monthly revenue of 40 million won shares, "I work with local employees who have undergone 3-4 years of training. Initially, they started with a salary of $30 (40,000 won), and now it's about $200 (290,000 won)," highlighting competitive labor costs as an advantage. While labor costs are low, the prices of dishes are similar to those in Korea, with jjajangmyeon priced at 8,000 won and seafood jjambbong at 11,000 won, surprising everyone. In response, Jay Soon notes, "Korean food is treated as high-end cuisine locally, so as long as the taste is maintained, we can set prices higher than the cost of living," adding, "Many people buy it despite the high prices thanks to the Korean Wave." Hearing this, Kim Sung-joo expresses keen interest, saying, "Labor and ingredient costs are low, but the price range is higher, so it would be much more profitable than in Korea."
Meanwhile, Lee Ji-hye reveals the success strategies of the Taiwanese dining market alongside "Hao-ying Guide," who has lived in Taiwan for eight years. She showcases various restaurants, including a gimbap cafe boasting a 90% local customer ratio with a strategy of selling diverse Korean dishes, a meat restaurant where the average salary is comparable to a large corporation's manager, and a pork soup restaurant that has been open for two months with an average daily revenue of 450,000 won, all of which captivate Kim Byung-hyun. Additionally, the program offers a glimpse into the real-life experiences of living abroad in both countries, captivating the studio MCs. First, Hao-ying presents a small but well-equipped 12-pyeong studio, stating, "Many homes in Taiwan don't even have kitchens," while Hwang Hoo-in shares a touching story about her parents who provided accommodation and meals for employees coming to Phnom Penh during the COVID period, showcasing their dedication to their staff.
As Kim Byung-hyun's ambition towards the global dining market raises curiosity about whether he will lean towards Taiwan or Cambodia, "Living Report" will air on the 16th at 10:20 PM on MBN·MBC Drama Net.
[Kim So-yeon, Star Today Reporter]
