# From Texas to Seoul: A Two-Decade Journey of Reinvention After a painful breakup, an American accountant built a new life farming in Korea. - **Source:** [Business Insider](https://www.businessinsider.com) - **Published:** 2026-11-06 - **Topic:** [culture](https://brifing.si/c/culture) - **Original article:** - **On Brifing:** https://brifing.si/s/bf1ccfb6-a35f-460b-817e-7a6e9d1aabbf ## An Unexpected Life Shift In 2006, Ryan Phillips left his accounting career in Texas following a sudden breakup. Seeking a fresh start, he moved to Seoul at age 27 upon a friend's suggestion. Despite having no prior experience in Asia, he traded his corporate life for a teaching position, eventually finding a permanent home abroad. ## Adapting to Culinary Education Phillips initially taught cooking classes to children at a preschool before advancing to a culinary program at a career-training college. His professional trajectory shifted further in 2015 when he pursued a master's degree in hospitality at Le Cordon Bleu in Seoul, deepening his technical expertise in food service and event management. ## The Challenges of Farming His transition to agriculture was marked by significant trial and error. After a failed initial attempt at organic farming, he learned cultivation techniques from local farmers. This experience led to the creation of his hot sauce brand, Han-joolgi, which translates to single stalk, reflecting the specific agricultural methods he adopted in Korea. ## Bearfoot Gardens Operations Located in Hwaseong on the outskirts of Seoul, Bearfoot Gardens now cultivates 30 varieties of chilies alongside herbs and corn. Phillips manages the farm while hosting farm-to-table events. These gatherings serve diverse menus, including American barbecue and Mexican dishes, attracting hundreds of guests ranging from international students to local military personnel. ## Economic Model and Events The farm operates as a boutique event space, charging between 50,000 and 150,000 Korean won per person for curated dining experiences. Phillips manages the cooking personally, supported by temporary workers and volunteers. He also maintains a separate kitchen facility dedicated to smoking meats and bottling his signature hot sauces for local restaurants. ## Navigating Cultural Integration Phillips notes that it took a decade to truly feel at home in South Korea. He highlights the initial struggle with language barriers and distinct social norms regarding personal space. Over twenty years, he has learned to respect these cultural differences, eventually finding a sense of belonging within the local community. ## Global Culinary Perspectives During his annual visits to Texas, Phillips observes a significant shift in how Korean cuisine is perceived in the United States. He notes that friends and family are increasingly interested in making kimchi or trying new Korean dishes, reflecting a broader global appreciation for the food culture he now calls his own. ## Commitment to New Roots Now 47, Phillips has no intention of returning to the United States permanently. Despite the challenges of building a business from scratch in a foreign country, he views his life in Seoul as fulfilling. He continues to focus on expanding his farm operations, prioritizing his work and community connections over relocation. ## Sources covering this story - https://www.businessinsider.com/moved-to-korea-after-breakup-farm-seoul-2026-11 — --- _Summary written by Brifing from the original reporting. Copyright in the original article belongs to its publisher; read the full piece at the link above._