Korean Fermentation Master Seo Bun-rye's Inspiring Journey on 'Seo Jang-hoon's Neighboring Millionaire'

Korean fermentation master Seo Bun-rye, known for her remarkable achievement of generating $10 million in annual sales, will be featured on 'Seo Jang-hoon's Neighboring Millionaire'.

Airing on Wednesday, the 18th at 9:55 PM on EBS, 'Seo Jang-hoon's Neighboring Millionaire' will delve into the extraordinary life of Seo Bun-rye, the only certified master of Cheonggukjang in Korea and the 62nd food master. Using 24 tons of soybeans annually to produce her signature fermented soybean paste, Seo's journey to success is filled with ups and downs, offering viewers a profound narrative of resilience and enlightenment.

Seo Jang-hoon and Jang Ye-won visit Seo Bun-rye's expansive farm in Anseong, Gyeonggi Province. The vast 30,000-pyeong estate, dotted with 3,000 traditional fermentation jars, leaves Seo Jang-hoon in awe, exclaiming, "This isn't a house; it's a park!" Jang Ye-won adds, "This is the largest millionaire's home we've visited so far."

However, the visit quickly turns into a working session as Seo Jang-hoon is put to task by the master herself, who insists, "If you want to eat, you must work!" From preparing boiled soybeans to grinding seasoned Cheonggukjang, Seo Jang-hoon humorously laments, "This is the most work I've done on 'Neighboring Millionaire'."

The episode also unveils the philosophy and secrets behind Seo Bun-rye's renowned fermentation techniques. The meticulous process of boiling soybeans, crafting meju, and fermenting them over time is vividly showcased. Particularly intriguing is the revelation of how Seo's Cheonggukjang is free from the usual pungent odor, a fact that astonishes Seo Jang-hoon, who notes, "Many avoid Cheonggukjang due to its smell, but this has none."

The rich and deep flavors of Seo's Cheonggukjang stew elicit genuine reactions from Seo Jang-hoon, born in 1974, and Jang Ye-won, born in 1990. Seo Bun-rye is moved to tears by Seo Jang-hoon's heartfelt words, leaving viewers curious about what he said to touch the master artisan so deeply. The full story will be revealed on February 18th, Wednesday at 9:55 PM on EBS's 'Seo Jang-hoon's Neighboring Millionaire'.

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