Christina Hong brings her popular Bulghoagie and other Korean Street Fusion tacos, hoagies, and bowls to Seoulmates – West Hollywood’s newest neighborhood Korean fusion joint located at 8320 W. 3rd Street, Los Angeles CA 90048. Soulmates opened Thursday, July 14, 2022.
Christina’s “Bulghoagie” is a bulgogi meets hoagie duo that she popularized doing pop- ups at local bars in Los Angeles during the pandemic when bars needed to sell food to be open. The Bulghoagie would regularly sell out at bars like Verdugo and Naughty Pig. The Bulghoagie developed such a cult following, that she started looking for a permanent home to bring more Korean Street Fusions options to life.
Christina worked with Chef Dustin Jang to expand her menu. Dustin worked as a sous chef for the Native in Santa Monica and as a private chef. He is currently the head chef for Riot Games Santa Monica Headquarters.
The menu blends together California favorites with the traditional Korean dishes Christina’s mother cooked for her as a child. Signature Korean specialties such as Bulgogi, Kimchi Fried Rice, and Korean Fried Chicken are uniquely incorporated into Tacos, Bowls, and Hoagies.
“Growing up I was embarrassed to bring lunch to school because my mom packed me dishes like Bibimbop instead of the traditional PB&J Sandwiches my friends would have,” said Seoulmates owner Christina Hong in a statement. “I wanted Seoulmates’ menu to emphasize my upbringing, the comfort of home, and the marriage of multiple cultural flavors with unknown ones. It’s a way to relate to others and share new experiences.”
Customers can expect authentic Korean favorites in a taco, bowl, or hoagie form with a generous amount of kimchi in every order. Seoulmates has even integrated vegetarian and vegan options with Korean fusion flares such as Jackfruit Birria Tacos and KBBQ Glazed Shrooms in a taco or hoagie. Other highlights include a Korean Fried Chicken Hoagie, Bulgogi Jackfruit Tacos and Galbi Kimchi Fried Rice.
Seoulmates is the culmination of Christina’s family’s journey to the United States. Her parents emigrated to Chicago from South Korea. They started a new life as entrepreneurs and ultimately became franchisees for Charley’s Philly Steaks, a Korean American-owned franchisor. Their success led the family to open multiple locations and Christina is a part owner of those restaurants. Inspired by the success of Charley’s CEO Charley Shin, Christina started Seoulmates as a pop-up.
Seoulmates is open Sunday – Saturday 10:30 AM to 8:30 PM.
