What the K-Wave Means for Hotel and Restaurant Design - Thomas Oh & Daphne Shin - Defining Hospitality
"It's exciting for me and for the team here, for them to come into our space… We're not screaming this is Korean to them, but they're loving the design of this restaurant and the hotel."
Audio Links:
Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/0A2XOJvb6mGqEPYJ5bilPX
Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/defining-hospitality-podcast/id1573596386
In this episode of Defining Hospitality, Dan Ryan sits down with Thomas Oh, Co-Founder & General Manager of Perilla Korean American Steakhouse, and Daphne Shin, Founder & Principal Designer of the Ruimte, two passionate creators working at the intersection of culture, cuisine, and design. Sponsored by BERMANFALK, the episode delves into the unique approach Thomas and Daphne take to blend Korean cultural elements into their business ventures in Chicago.
Takeaways:
Hospitality is about inclusion. Daphne focuses on creating environments where guests can feel a sense of belonging and create lasting memories. For Thomas, it’s about making guests feel seen, heard, and valued, leaving a lasting impression.
Korean cultural integrations. At L7 Hotel, Thomas and Daphne have harmoniously integrated elements of Korean culture. Guests can appreciate the subtle Korean influences in the design and cuisine without feeling overwhelmed.
Bridging the cultural cuisine gaps. Thomas talks about the challenge and excitement of introducing Korean cuisine, like kimchi and Korean BBQ, alongside American steakhouse traditions to a diverse audience in Chicago.
Subtlety in design blending. Daphne discusses the intricacies of balancing Korean design elements with modern American tastes in the hotel setting. She highlights the use of color palettes and material choices that subtly nod to Korean heritage.
Taking opportunities as they appear. The story of a high-profile Korean guest discovering the restaurant and providing positive feedback underscores the impact of authentic, thoughtful design and cultural incorporation.
The future of Korean influence. Thomas and Daphne both reflect on the growing global influence of Korean culture in sectors like hospitality, cuisine, music, and skincare, and their roles in shaping this narrative.
"It's exciting for me and for the team here, for them to come into our space… We're not screaming this is Korean to them, but they're loving the design of this restaurant and the hotel." - Thomas Oh
Building a hotel, brand, or guest experience? Reach out to Dan on LinkedIn or hit reply on the Substack to share what you’re working on.
Connect with Thomas and Daphne:
Thomas Oh LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/thomas-oh-b6164570/
Daphne Shin LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/daphne-shin-1a223b44/
Daphne Shin Email: daphne@theruimte.com
🏨✨ Defining Hospitality is Sponsored by BERMANFALK
Check out their impact page! 🌍🌱 https://www.bermanfalk.com/impact/