Violet Kim is tasting success in South Korea thanks to lessons learned in Australia.
Miss Kim is building a career for herself in hospitality in Seoul, already winning a hotel competition and having ideas added to new restaurant menus.
She learned much of what she is now putting into place at The University of Queensland’s School of Tourism.
Since graduating in 2007, Miss Kim has returned to her homeland to work at W Seoul Walkerhill Hotel, initially as a server in the restaurant and now as co-ordinator in the cuisine division.
“I have learned a lot of cuisine terminology while translating menus and ordering utensils,” the 25-year-old said.
“I not only get to taste unique molecular cuisine when chefs are experimenting, sometimes my ideas have been referred to the menu.
“Tourism is not just seeing and visiting. Food forms a great part of the positive impression of a place and becomes part of the memory. To be part of that makes me feel proud.”
Among the highlights of Miss Kim’s time at the hotel was her win in the WoW Idea Competition, with her eco-friendly suggestions the result of her sustainable tourism studies at UQ.
Her entry in the competition suggested making small changes which would have a huge impact on reducing the hotel’s carbon footprint.
They included installing energy-saving light bulbs, using environmentally-friendly washing detergent and specialist equipment to counter water pollution.
“I suggested we could experience savings in electricity bills from the installation of energy-saving light bulbs, even though we have the same number of lights on for the same number of hours," Miss Kim said.
“My idea has been taken up. The energy-saving light bulbs are installed in corridors in the hotel.”
Miss Kim said her studies at UQ had been invaluable in her new career.
“UQ teaches well-organised theories which are useful tools to build up basic concepts of hospitality and tourism.
“The lessons teach the fundamental principles of tourism, hospitality, events, marketing, human resources and accounting.”
Media: Erik de Wit (0417 088 772)
