Young-hee Kim was born on June 15, 1939, in Seoul, South Korea. She grew up in a traditional Korean household, the youngest of three siblings. Her father was a respected school teacher, and her mother was a devoted homemaker. Young-hee's childhood was filled with the sounds of classical Korean music and the scent of her mother's home-cooked meals. She was a diligent student, always at the top of her class, and had a natural talent for languages.
Young-hee pursued a degree in literature at Seoul National University, where she developed a deep love for both Korean and Western classics. Her academic excellence earned her a scholarship to study abroad, and she moved to the United States in 1962 to attend graduate school at the University of California, Berkeley. It was a bold move for a young woman from a conservative Korean family, but Young-hee was determined to make her mark on the world. After completing her master's degree, Young-hee began working as a translator and cultural liaison for a major international corporation. Her fluency in both Korean and English made her an invaluable asset, and she quickly rose through the ranks. Her work took her to many countries, but she always maintained close ties with her family in Korea.
In 1967, Young-hee met John Park, a Korean-American engineer, at a cultural exchange event in San Francisco. They fell in love and married the following year. The couple settled in Los Angeles, where they raised their two daughters, Lisa and Jenny. Young-hee balanced her demanding career with her responsibilities as a mother, always making sure to instill in her daughters a strong sense of cultural pride and a love for learning.
In 1985, Young-hee and John decided to pursue a shared dream: opening their own restaurant. They established "Seoul Garden," a cozy Korean eatery in the heart of Los Angeles. The restaurant quickly became a beloved local spot, known for its authentic dishes and warm, welcoming atmosphere. Young-hee managed the kitchen, bringing her mother's recipes to life, while John handled the business side of operations.
For over two decades, Seoul Garden was not just a restaurant but a cultural hub for the Korean-American community. Young-hee and John hosted festivals, cooking classes, and community events, creating a space where people could gather, share stories, and celebrate their heritage. Their daughters, Lisa and Jenny, grew up helping in the restaurant, learning the value of hard work and the importance of family.
After retiring from the restaurant business in the early 2000s, Young-hee and John devoted more time to their passions—traveling, gardening, and spending time with their grandchildren. Their three granddaughters, Mia, Emily, and Sophie, were the light of their lives. Young-hee loved telling them stories about her childhood in Korea and teaching them traditional Korean songs and games.
Despite the distance, Young-hee remained close to her siblings in Korea, frequently video-calling and sending care packages filled with homemade kimchi and other Korean delicacies. She and John enjoyed visiting Korea regularly, reconnecting with family and old friends, and exploring new parts of the world together.
Young-hee Kim, known as "Yvonne" to her American friends, lived to the age of 85. She passed away peacefully in her sleep in 2024, surrounded by the love of her family. Her daughters, Lisa and Jenny, have both built successful careers and are raising their children with the same values that Young-hee instilled in them.
Young-hee's life is a testament to the strength and resilience of the immigrant experience. She bridged two cultures with grace and dignity, leaving a lasting legacy of love, learning, and cultural pride. Her story is one of perseverance, dedication, and the enduring power of family.
