Kang San Lee

Kang San Lee is a passionate and ambitious Restaurateur and Entrepreneur, born in Seoul, South Korea and raised in New York. His passion for food and beverage began early. With working parents, cooking Korean and American food regularly, was where his spark of interest started.

Heavily influenced by Anthony Bourdain and Paik Jong Won, with their entrepreneurial and passionate spirits. Through their explorations by connecting food and cultures, Kang San’s imaginative urge to connect the two cultures he embodies, he wanted to tell his story through food.

For many years leading up to 2018, Kang San was working in and out of restaurant kitchens, and bars, while continuing his full-time corporate career. In 2019, he opened Gentle Perch with his wife, which was recognized by the Michelin Guide and landed on the Michelin Bib Gourmand List of 2021.

Kang San’s goals and visions for Korean cuisine in America, is his motivation as a Restauranteur. He is on a mission to make the Korean cuisine inviting and introduce Korean flavors, then the popular typical dishes we all know today. With his strong belief in the power of hospitality through food and beverage, his expression in Korean American food relates to his identity as a South Korean that grew up American.