Sam Sun: an immersion in Korean gastronomy in Paris
Since its opening in July 2023, Sam Sun restaurant has become a must for lovers of Korean gastronomy. Located in the heart of Paris, it offers a refined culinary experience. The cuisine is is faithful to Korean tradition, supported by a passionate team and a decor imbued with sobriety and elegance.
A tribute to Korean tradition
Sam Sun is inspired by bansang service, an ancestral practice perfected during the Joseon dynasty. Meals for the nobles and the king consisted of a wide variety of dishes. This concept is at the heart of the restaurant’s gastronomic experience. It allows guests to savor a variety of dishes prepared with care and according to authentic recipes.
The restaurant’s menu, renewed twice a year, features elaborate, well-balanced dishes. Among them, the lunch menu, the homemade noodle menu, and the seasonal menu. This one is a Korean-French fusion, while all other menus and dishes are authentic Korean. . Les plats phares incluent le Sogogi Jjim, a slow-cooked braised beef, and Yeoneo Jorim, a delicately flavored braised salmon. These dishes embody a slow-food approach, highlighting rich flavors and meticulous preparation.
A chef with an international career
Seoul-born Chef Byungkuk OH is at the helm of the kitchen, bringing a unique touch to every creation. Born into a large family and close to his grandmother, he discovered early on the subtleties of Korean cuisine, where time and health are paramount. His mastery of fermentation techniques, which enrich flavors while offering health benefits, is a key element of his culinary art.
With an impressive track record, Chef OH has worked in prestigious establishments such as the LOTTE Hotel in South Korea and the SOFITEL in Australia, before becoming chef to the Korean ambassador in Morocco. Building on this experience, he opened several international restaurants, notably in Prague and Jakarta, before settling in France in 2023 to share his passion in this world-renowned gastronomic center.
A warm, minimalist setting
Sam Sun’s décor, imagined by Ms HAN and created by HOWIT Design, reflects a minimalist aesthetic enriched by Korean touches. Among the emblematic elements is a Hanbok, a traditional Korean dress designed by artist Lee Jeong-suk, which adds a unique cultural dimension to the space. A visionary designer, she has modernized the Hanbok, the traditional Korean costume, popularizing it around the world. Inspired by nature, she combines natural pigments, traditional dyes and embroidery, sublimating the Hanbok with unique contrasts. Founder of a museum in New York, she builds bridges between Eastern and Western aesthetics.
With 46 seats indoors and 16 on the terrace, the restaurant offers an intimate, convivial atmosphere.
The tableware – plates, bowls and large containers for bibimbaps and stews – as well as the trays used to serve certain dishes, were imported directly from Korea. These trays, designed with natural materials such as wood and shells, are distinguished by their beauty.
Flavours sublimated by exceptional pairings
Sam Sun attaches great importance to the beverages that accompany its dishes. Wines are selected in collaboration with Korean sommeliers, guaranteeing perfect pairings with the dishes on offer. Among the favorites, the Nuits-Saint-Georges 1er Cru Château Gris stands out for its finesse and harmony. Signature cocktails, such as the Sam Sun Cocktail or the Highball Omijia, complete the experience with innovative and surprising flavors.
An invitation to discover authenticity
Since its opening, Sam Sun has attracted a predominantly Korean clientele, seduced by the quality of the dishes and the atmosphere of the place. For lovers of Korean cuisine, or for the curious in search of new experiences, the restaurant offers a unique immersion in the art of living and eating according to Korean traditions.
Sam Sun is an authentic, top-of-the-range restaurant that is currently better known to Koreans than to locals. Proof of the quality of the cuisine served.
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