Korean Culinary Mogul Lim Soon-hyung Pledges Fortune for Social Good

Lim Soon-hyung, a prominent figure in South Korea's culinary industry and a billionaire, has expressed his desire to use his immense wealth for the benefit of society and those in need.

On the 11th, the joint production of EBS and E Channel, 'Seo Jang-hoon's Neighboring Millionaire,' featured the life story of Lim Soon-hyung, known as the 'business genius who built a 5,000-pyeong mansion after earning billions.' Lim opened a restaurant in the early 1990s specializing in whole roasted duck, but initially struggled with sales. However, after being featured in a newspaper column by Baekpa Hong Seong-yu, the original author of 'General's Son,' his business began to thrive.

Lim captivated customers with his unique combination of milk-infused pancakes and duck, maintaining a successful business for over 30 years. He humorously remarked, "I raked in money," and "My fingerprints wore out from counting money," astonishing many.

With determination and diligence, Lim rose to prominence in South Korea's culinary scene, joining the ranks of billionaires. Seo Jang-hoon commented, "Even famous chefs find it challenging to earn billions in the culinary industry," admiring Lim's exceptional business acumen. Lim's entrepreneurial spirit was evident from a young age.

As a child, he raised rabbits and used the proceeds to buy goats, selling goat milk for profit. He also earned money by making a margin on errands for his father, amassing a significant sum equivalent to 500,000 won today as an elementary school student.

Lim's establishment in Gyeonggi Province spans a total area of 5,000 pyeong, with construction costs exceeding 10 billion won, resembling a grand hanok-style restaurant. When asked by Seo Jang-hoon if he had recouped his investment, Lim replied, "If I were to say I built this to break even, people in the business would think I'm crazy," shaking his head.

He added, "I thought money was thrown from the sky for me to spend lavishly, but it's meant to be used for good," expressing his desire to transform the restaurant into a park for people to enjoy. Lim practices frugality, living in a 30-year-old apartment, driving a domestic car, and receiving a daily allowance of 50,000 won from his wife, yet spending little on himself.

A known 'history enthusiast,' Lim erected a massive replica of the Gwanggaeto Stele, measuring 6.39 meters in height and weighing 47 tons, in his restaurant's yard, modeled after the original in Manchuria. He also hosts an annual memorial for King Gwanggaeto, explaining, "It's to carry on the spirit of King Gwanggaeto, the greatest hero in our nation's history."

When Seo Jang-hoon inquired about his future plans for his wealth, Lim expressed his intention to establish the Gwanggaeto Scholarship Foundation to support those struggling to afford education, demonstrating his commitment to social contribution.

Lee So-jung, TenAsia Reporter forusojung@tenasia.co.kr