Meet one of my Korean friends

Since yesterday was the internationally proclaimed “Blue Monday” meaning the most depressing day of the year, I think we could all use a heartwarming story about happiness. On that note I’d like to introduce you to one of my Korean friends. Last summer I had the pleasure of meeting an awesome Korean guy for the first time. He’s name is Bruce Kim (김희욱) and we met in my hometown where he was visiting with his project 행복배달프로젝트 – Delivering Happiness. Now, Denmark may be a country which ranks high in the international happiness reports, but Bruce still believes we have something to learn from Korea, just as Korea may have something to learn from Denmark. After having spent a few years studying in Denmark he therefore set out to build a bridge between the two nations by introducing the Danes to something as Korean as street food. You know they say that the way to a man’s heart is through his stomach, and I think this holds for all Danes as well! You never see a Dane with a knife in his hand without a fork in the other, and the entire culture for social gatherings and generally having a good time is centered around one thing – food!

His project is nothing short of awesome! Bruce and a bunch of Korean students volunteer making the Korean streetfood 호떡 which is a type of stuffed pancake with either sweet or savory fillings like brown sugar or kimchi.

Usually you can find their pancake stall at the Torvehallerne market in Copenhagen, but I was so lucky to catch them on tour last August. There is no doubt that Bruce is doing something truly amazing. He’s spreading the Korean 정, which is a special kind of Korean love and kindness, to the Danes through delicious Korean food. The pancakes are definitely on par with the best street food I’ve tasted in Korea and the people making and serving the food are so friendly and smiling. You automatically feel better when you eat warm street food, and I imagine their pancakes and smiles are warming the winter for the people in Copenhagen. (P.S. I happen to know for a fact that you get a small discount and an extra smile if you order in Korean 🙂 )

Recently, the Korean national broadcasting network KBS did a short documentary on Bruce and his efforts to strengthen the relationship between Denmark and Korea by delivering happiness to one of the world’s happiest nations. I thought I’d share this video with you here on the blog (just click the subtitle icon for English subs), and I’m sure you’ll agree with me that he is a truly amazing guy on a great mission. Enjoy!