Lee Jin-uk

Chef Lee Jin-wook (이진욱) is a prominent figure in Korea's sushi scene and the owner-chef of the members-only sushiya Sushi In (스시인) [Restaurant] in Apgujeong, Seoul.

He has approximately 20 years of experience and is known for having led the heyday of Sushi Cho (스시조) [Restaurant] at The Westin Josun Seoul.

Sushi Cho (스시조)

Beginning in the mid-2000s, he built his experience and reputation as a chef at Sushi Cho [restaurant]. While working there, he came to work alongside Ariake (아리아께) [restaurant], Ginza Kyubey (긴자 큐베이) [restaurant] having recruited Matsumoto Mizuho (마츠모토 미즈호) [person] in order to compete with it. During this period, he also undertook training at Ginza Kyubey.

Sushi In (스시인)

After concluding his long career at Sushi Cho, he became independent by opening Sushi In [restaurant] in Sinsa-dong, Gangnam-gu. As he had already risen to prominence as a star chef in South Korea’s sushi scene while working behind the counter at Sushi Cho, Sushi In attracted considerable attention from the time it opened.

In 2020, Sushi In switched to an entirely membership-based system. At the time, it was the first sushi restaurant in South Korea to operate exclusively for members. Sushi In has since maintained its membership policy for existing customers and, despite passing through both the omakase boom and its subsequent downturn, has firmly retained its status as an “impossible-to-book restaurant” for several years.

Cooking

Flavor enhancement (加味) and layers of flavor: He excels at the technique of ‘flavor enhancement,’ combining ingredients to build layers of umami. He is regarded as demonstrating a broader range of culinary flexibility than during his hotel years.

Research

He makes frequent visits to Japan to study the latest trends and ingredients, and through ongoing menu development, he serves optimal pieces tailored to his guests' preferences.

Sea Bream Sushi

A signature dish carried over from his hotel days

Inari Negitoro

A delicacy with concentrated umami

Snow Crab Meat and Uni Shari

A composition distinguished by its bold use of ingredients

Abalone with Truffle An Sauce

A tsumami with a contemporary touch

Sushijo (스시조) [Restaurant] - The hotel Japanese restaurant where Chef Lee Jin-uk worked for many years

Sushi Matsumoto (스시 마츠모토) [Restaurant] - The restaurant of Chef Mizuho Matsumoto, his mentor during his time at Sushijo