In this blog post, we’ll outline how an applicant from Jeonju developed an interest in cooking, along with their study plan and post-graduation goals.
Reasons for Applying (Reasons for Choosing This Major)
When I was in elementary school, I participated in a children’s local cuisine cooking camp hosted by the Jeonbuk Local Food Development Research Association. There, I developed “Ketchup Bibimbap”—a dish flavored with ketchup instead of gochujang—and received praise from the judges. Using my creative imagination, I transformed bibimbap—a local specialty representing Jeonju, my hometown and the “Land of Flavors”—into a completely different and unique delicacy. This camp instilled in me a sense of pride and confidence in local cuisine and helped me realize the joy I find in creating food. Through promotional activities to raise awareness of Jeonju’s local cuisine and my experiences at international culinary competitions, I naturally began to dream of becoming a chef. I enrolled in a specialized high school to study cooking more professionally, and now I am applying to this program to receive a more systematic education.
Academic Plan and Goals
Until now, I’ve been learning through hands-on practice simply because I love cooking, but I now plan to systematically build my theoretical knowledge of culinary arts under the guidance of experienced professionals. I will read cooking magazines to acquire broad knowledge and background information not covered in the curriculum, and I will strive to develop basic foreign language communication skills so that I can quickly adapt to global trends. I also plan to participate in an overseas internship program to experience the fast-paced, hands-on environment of world-renowned hotels. Through this experience, I hope to gain a new perspective on my previously narrow-minded outlook and return with a solid plan for my future.
Post-Graduation Plans
My dream is to become a world-class chef recognized globally. After graduation, I plan to study abroad at the CIA (The Culinary Institute of America), a renowned culinary school in the United States, and I aspire to become a world-class chef who can create a restaurant worthy of being featured in prestigious international restaurant guides. Cooking embodies the “beauty and joy of creation.” I find it fascinating to watch how different ingredients blend and transform to create a single work of art, and one of the charms of cooking is being able to make delicious food with my own hands to bring happiness to others. Although it’s physically demanding—requiring me to stand all day and move constantly—I believe cooking is a profession where the fun and fulfillment are as great as the challenges. Moving forward, I want to fulfill my dream of becoming a chef.
Self-Introduction (Outlook on Life, Values)
I always hold the belief that success is winning the battle against oneself. I first became interested in cooking in my third year of middle school, and after seeing Korean chefs win awards at international cooking competitions, I thought, “I want to give it a try too.” I asked my parents to send me to a cooking school, but they didn’t agree at first. However, I didn’t give up; instead, I saved my allowance to buy cookbooks and studied on my own. My passion was so strong that by the time I entered high school, my parents were even encouraging me to pursue my culinary studies to my heart’s content.
After school, I would go to the culinary academy and practice for at least three to four hours every day. There were times when I felt regret, wondering, “Why am I the only one struggling like this while my friends are studying comfortably?” However, believing that taking a path less traveled would lead to a better future, I overcame my inner struggles and even achieved outstanding results in cooking competitions. I believe the thrill of completing a dish after dozens of failures is the true appeal of cooking, and I want to carry this passion forward to become a chef who represents Korea.
