Cherishing good food

Dear editor: Thank you for your Dec. 27 article ("Bakery war deepening," p. 16) that brings to the attention of your readers the growing and destructive problem of the "big" business that enters a neighborhood and takes over the "small" long-established family store.

You indicate that a relevant law was "revised in April in order to forbid bakery franchises from opening new shops within a 500-meter radius of an existing bakery."

Why is that law not being enforced? How can big businesses continue to ignore the rules with impunity? Such behavior is not acceptable today.

More than 30 years ago in my neighborhood a bakery run by a caring man and woman (now grandma and grandpa) began providing delicious breads and cakes of various kinds, all baked on the spot. High-quality ingredients are used. This bakery is well-known and respected in the neighborhood and has served as a place for students of all ages to find both good food and a friendly interest in their lives and concerns. Even the atmosphere is warm and welcoming.

Recently a huge franchise came into the area and set up their flashy bakery, not 500 meters away as the law states, but right next door, with even an adjoining wall! Baked goods are trucked in and the "local, loving" touch seems missing.

I applaud the efforts of the relevant officials to solve such a problem, especially in a country where personal contacts have always been valued. I urge the Korean government to strictly enforce the relevant law so our grandma and grandpa can survive and continue to graciously provide both good food and caring concern to their neighborhood.

Sonia Reid Strawn

Seoul