Kim Suha, a chef and poet, has created a unique dining experience at her restaurant, MayBap, in Gwangju, South Korea. The restaurant serves traditional Korean dishes, including jumeokbap rice balls, which were a symbol of spontaneous generosity during the Gwangju Uprising of May 18, 1980.
Combining Food and Poetry
Suha’s restaurant is decorated with her textile creations and poetry, creating a warm and welcoming atmosphere. The menu features a variety of dishes, including Jeolla-do style kimchi and savory soup. Suha’s poetry is also on display, with one poem, “Tree of Truth,” discussing the movement to clothe trees with intricate yarn decorations.
Suha’s next step is to let someone else take over her restaurant so she can focus on making and selling textile objects. However, she will continue to make food and has invited customers to eat at her future studio.
The restaurant has become a community hub, with customers gathering to discuss poetry and share stories. Suha’s legacy is a continuation of the spirit of May 1980, when jumeokbap sellers fed the movement with their food.
Original reporting: New Haven Independent — read the source article.
