About
Beyond Kimchee was created in 2010 by Hye-gyoung Ford (Holly), focusing on authentic Korean recipes as well as other Asian and world cuisines, demonstrating her passion for cooking. On the site, you will find easy-to-follow recipes with visual, step-by-step instructions for delicious home-cooked meals.
Meet Holly
Hello!
I’m Holly, the creator of Beyond Kimchee.
Born in Tongyeong, a picturesque fishing town at the southern tip of South Korea, I grew up in a large family where cooking was a cherished skill. I learned from my mother and aunts, absorbing generations-old family recipes and refining my culinary techniques from a young age.
In December 1990, I moved to the United States for my studies, where I met my husband. Our journey together has taken us to Taiwan, Singapore, Hong Kong, Malaysia, Argentina, and various parts of the USA. Along the way, we’ve explored the world as a family.
My passion for cooking was fueled by these travels, embracing diverse cultures and cuisines. Yet, when I need comfort, it’s the familiar flavors of Korean food, my homeland’s cuisine, that I crave. Cooking is more than just preparing food; it’s about connecting and sharing experiences.
My goal is to create precise and easy-to-follow recipes that yield delicious outcomes. Beyond Kimchee is your go-to resource for learning to cook authentic Korean dishes that we enjoy at home, as well as other genuine Asian and world cuisines.
Update: While living in northern Virginia for 6 years, our children grew to adulthood and left home for college. My husband and I became empty nesters. Due to a new job assignment, we relocated to South Korea on August 2022 and are now living in the heart of Seoul. Although we left our children in the USA, we brought our beloved dog, Nabi, with us to Korea.
About Beyond Kimchee
Beyond Kimchee began in 2010 as a personal blog, a legacy project to pass down my cherished recipes to my children. I wanted them to remember the flavors of home and have the ability to recreate them. That’s why each post on my blog includes detailed, step-by-step instructions – a culinary legacy for them to get right!
In 2019, I took a significant step by publishing my first cookbook, “Korean Cooking Favorites,” under my Korean name, Hye-Gyoung K. Ford. This book features 75 authentic Korean recipes, ranging from tantalizing appetizers and main dishes to comforting soups, stews, rice and noodle dishes, side dishes, the art of kimchi making, and desserts. For more information, please visit the My Cookbook page.
My work has been featured in various publications and media outlets, including:
- Singapore Food Magazine: November 2012
- Gluten-Free Magazine: March 2014 and June 2014
- Korean recipe columns on Dramafever: 2014-2016
- Holly’s Korean Kitchen in The Korea Herald: 2021-2022
- S.Casa Magazine: November 2019
- Other media exposure includes Buzz Feed, The Guardian, Kimchi Chronicles blog, Yummly, Korea Daily, and more.
Where to Start?
If you are first time at Beyond Kimchee, head over to my recipe page to access my entire recipe collection. You will find over 400 recipes from Korean recipes, Chinese recipes, Southeast Asian recipes and other world cuisine recipes.
- Start with my popular Korean chicken bulgogi recipe that is super easy and quick to prepare for a weeknight dinner. If you are a kimchi beginner, my easy kimchi recipe will teach you how you can make authentic Korean kimchi step-by-step.
- If you are in the mood for an exotic Southeastern Asian food, my Thai beef salad, Vietnamese chicken salad will get you started.
- As an avid baker, I recommend you trying my milk bread (no tangzhong), deep dish apple pie, and pumpkin dinner rolls. You will find why so many readers are in love with these recipes.
Need to Contact Me?
Thank you for taking the time to read my story. I’m glad that you’re here, and I’d love to get to know you! If you would like to message me directly, send me an email at; beyondkimchee@gmail.com.
Also, come say hello on Facebook, Instagram, Pinterest, and Youtube. I would love to hear from you.
