With a philosophy rooted in simplicity, precision, and balance, Chef Dongsik Ok has redefined traditional Korean comfort food through a minimalist and modern lens. His eponymous restaurant Okdongsik is a globally recognized Korean concept known for its refined and deeply comforting pork broth, dwaeji gomtang.
Since its launch in Seoul’s Seogyo-dong neighborhood in 2017, Okdongsik has earned critical acclaim and recognition with the Michelin Guide Bib Gourmand distinction for eight consecutive years, establishing it as one of Seoul’s premier dining spots. Now an international brand, Okdongsik has expanded its presence beyond Seoul with locations in New York (Manhattan and Bayside), Honolulu, Tokyo, and Paris. The brand's ongoing growth focuses on small, highly curated spaces that prioritize consistency, quality, and operational discipline, and the chef's commitment and dedication is transforming Korean soul food into a globally recognized culinary category.
In his conversation with Vivian Lee, Chef Dongsik Ok shares his insights on his career, food philosophy, and the restaurant industry.
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Okdongsik
Tuesday, June 2, 2026 | 6 PM (EDT)
The Korea Society
350 Madison Avenue, 24th Floor
New York, NY 10017
About the Speaker:
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Chef Dongsik Ok is the founder and owner chef of Okdongsik. He holds a Bachelor’s degree in Culinary Science from Kyung Hee University and opened the first Okdongsik restaurant in Seoul’s Seogyo-dong neighborhood in 2017. The restaurant quickly gained critical acclaim and has been awarded the Michelin Guide Bib Gourmand distinction for eight consecutive years, establishing it as one of Seoul’s most respected dining destinations. Since entering the U.S. market, Okdongsik has grown into an international presence, with locations in New York (Manhattan and Bayside), Honolulu, Tokyo, and Paris. Chef Dongsik Ok gained broader international recognition following his appearance on Netflix’s Culinary Class Wars 2 (2025), where his culinary philosophy and signature dishes were introduced to a global audience. |
About the Moderator:
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Vivian Lee is an Emmy-winning TV journalist, public speaker, moderator and director/producer in New York. Currently a correspondent for the magazine show Asian American Life. CUNY-TV, Vivian garnered her third Emmy nomination this year for producing and hosting CUNY-TV’s special on the 70th anniversary of the Korean War armistice. She also co-hosts the podcast The 5 Of Us, which examines career and life issues affecting women at work. Vivian anchored, reported and hosted for NY1 Spectrum News between 2008 and 2020, covering stories of national and international importance, including the pandemic, social justice protests, and the 2020 general election. Vivian also hosted Spotlight New York, a weekly magazine show exploring the arts landscape of the five boroughs of NYC. She was awarded an Emmy in 2020 for her story on Manhattan’s iconic Joe’s Pub. |
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