Yi Whan-woo is a Korea Times journalist primarily covering finance. He writes in-depth articles on macroeconomy and financial markets and previously covered sports, politics, diplomacy and inter-Korean affairs, among others. Feel free to contact him at yistory@koreatimes.co.kr.
Bulgarian celebrity chef wins Seoul Honorary Citizen Award
Mikhal Ashminov, center, a Bulgarian celebrity chef in Korea, poses with Bulgarian Ambassador to Korea Petko Draganov, left, and Kim Hyoung-zhin, ambassador for international relations at the Seoul Metropolitan Government, after the 2020 Seoul Honorary Citizen Award was presented to Ashminov at the Bulgarian Embassy in Seoul, Nov. 25. / Courtesy of Embassy of Bulgaria
By Yi Whan-woo
By Yi Whan-woo
Mikhal Ashminov, a Bulgarian celebrity chef in Korea, won the 2020 Seoul Honorary Citizen Award in recognition of his contributions to cultural exchanges between the two countries, the Bulgarian Embassy in Korea said this week.
The honorary citizenship has been given every year since 1958 to foreign citizens who have contributed significantly to the development of Korea's capital city and have become role models to both Koreans and non-Koreans.
The 2020 ceremony took place at the embassy Nov. 25. The award was presented by Kim Hyoung-zhin, ambassador for international relations at the Seoul Metropolitan Government.
“Today's ceremony is a memorable occasion taking place at a particular time for Bulgaria-Korea relations,” the embassy said in a congratulatory statement, noting this year marks the 30th anniversary of establishment of bilateral relations.
It assessed Ashminov used food and drinks as tools for public diplomacy and bilateral exchanges and that he “truly made Korea a second home away from Bulgaria through his business activities here” with his Korean wife Park Eun-hee.
Dubbed as “Chef Mikhal,” Ashminov introduced Bulgarian culture, traditions and cuisine to Koreans after opening Bulgarian restaurant Zelen in 2007 in Itaewon, Seoul's foreign district.
He has made frequent TV appearances, worked with international organizations and participated in charities to help the socially vulnerable.
A native of Sofia, Bulgaria, Ashminov was born in 1982.
He was 22 when he first came to Korea.
He graduated from a school of culinary arts and hotel management before working four years at Sheraton Hotel in Sofia, which was sold to now-dissolved Korean conglomerate Daewoo Group.
He then received a job offer to work as a chef at the Westin Chosun Hotel in Seoul.
He was a cast member in several TV shows, such as “Sumi's side-dish,” “Please Take Care of My Refrigerator” and “Where is my friend's house?”