BUGAK KIM Partners with Stayfolio to Offer Traditional Korean Snack at Luxury Accommodations

In a move that blends traditional Korean cuisine with modern hospitality, BUGAK KIM has announced a partnership with Stayfolio, South Korea's leading fine-stay curation platform. The collaboration will see BUGAK KIM's Kimbugak, a crispy seaweed snack, offered as welcome food at select Stayfolio properties, starting with the luxurious ADAM HANOK near Gyeongbokgung Palace.

BUGAK KIM, a new brand launched by Place5, the company behind South Korea's largest tutor-matching platform Kimstudy, specializes in Kimbugak. This traditional finger food is made by coating seaweed with sticky rice paste and frying it to a crisp texture. What sets BUGAK KIM apart is its use of a century-old recipe originating from Namwon, Jeollabuk-do, a region known for its culinary heritage spanning over a millennium.

The recipe's lineage is deeply rooted in Korean history, passed down through generations of founder Jay Y. Kim's family. It traces back to his great-grandmother, Madam Lee Jeong-im, who married in 1924, making the recipe at least 100 years old. This family connection extends to a significant historical figure, Kim Ju-yeol, a martyr of the April 19 Democratic Revolution, adding a layer of cultural importance to the product.

Beyond its historical significance, BUGAK KIM's product aligns with contemporary dietary preferences. A company representative highlighted that the snack is 100% vegan, gluten-free, and contains zero sugar, catering to a wide range of dietary requirements and health-conscious consumers.

The partnership with Stayfolio marks an important step in showcasing traditional Korean cuisine to a broader audience, particularly international visitors seeking authentic experiences. By offering Kimbugak at high-end accommodations, BUGAK KIM is positioning itself at the intersection of luxury hospitality and cultural preservation.

This collaboration also signals a growing trend in the hospitality industry to incorporate local, artisanal products into guest experiences. It reflects a shift towards more personalized and culturally immersive stays, which could influence how other hotels and accommodation providers approach their offerings.

Looking ahead, BUGAK KIM has ambitious plans for global expansion. The company is preparing to introduce its products to international markets, with aims to distribute through major supermarkets, restaurants, and hotels worldwide. This move could potentially increase the global visibility of Korean culinary traditions and open new markets for similar heritage-based food products.

The partnership between BUGAK KIM and Stayfolio represents more than just a business agreement; it's a step towards preserving and promoting Korean culinary heritage on a global stage. As the demand for authentic, culturally significant experiences grows among travelers, this collaboration could set a precedent for how traditional foods can be integrated into modern hospitality settings, potentially influencing tourism and culinary trends worldwide.