The story of Taebaek Korean Restaurant has been shaped by years of friendship, dedication, and a shared passion for authentic Korean cuisine.
My name is Bilal Ayyıldız. My journey began in Çavuşlu Village in Midyat, Mardin, and eventually brought me to Istanbul, where I first encountered Korean cuisine in 2004. At the time, I was still a student and, through a close friend, I began working as a dishwasher at a restaurant to help cover my educational expenses.
It was during this period that I met Ms. Imo, who had come from Korea to Turkey to work as a chef and who would later become a very special person in my life. Each summer, I worked for approximately three months before returning to continue my education, repeating this routine year after year.
What began as a temporary job gradually became a remarkable learning journey, allowing me to discover Korean culture, cuisine, and its disciplined approach to work firsthand.
In 2007, Ms. Imo founded Taebaek Korean Restaurant, naming it after her hometown in Korea. Having built a relationship of trust since we first met in 2004, I joined the Taebaek family and began serving as the restaurant’s manager.
Over the years, I not only learned the finer details of Korean cuisine but also learned the Korean language. From guest relations and team management to kitchen culture and daily operations, I became actively involved in every aspect of Taebaek.
The year 2023 marked the beginning of a new chapter for Taebaek. After many years of dedication to the restaurant, I took over the company and its management, accepting the responsibility of carrying its legacy into the future.
We built a new team, expanded our corporate partnerships, and strengthened Taebaek’s foundation for continued growth. Today, our mission goes beyond simply serving traditional Korean dishes. We strive to bring the authentic flavors, culture, and hospitality of Korea to life in Istanbul in the most genuine way possible.
I owe a heartfelt debt of gratitude to Ms. Imo, who trusted me and generously shared her knowledge and experience throughout this journey. Over the years, our relationship grew far beyond a professional partnership, becoming a bond much like that of a mother and son. Although she now lives in Korea, our connection remains as warm and strong as ever, and we continue to stay in close contact.
With a heritage dating back to 2007, Taebaek Korean Restaurant continues to move forward while preserving the values on which it was founded. We bring together the authentic flavors of traditional Korean cuisine with quality service, genuine warmth, and heartfelt hospitality.
Taebaek — A true culinary story from Korea to Istanbul.
