Bokhwaru (Korean: 복화루; Chinese: 福華樓; pinyin: Fúhuálóu) is a historic Korean Chinese restaurant in Incheon, South Korea. It opened in 1945 and has remained a family business since then. By 2020, it was operated by the son of the founder.[1][2] The restaurant has reportedly been recognized by the Blue Ribbon Survey three times.[2]
The restaurant was founded by Lee Bok-chung (이복충; Korean name, Chinese name not given), a Chinese immigrant from Shandong, China. He arrived in Korea during the late Japanese colonial period, in 1939, and initially worked as a trader. In 1942, he arrived in Incheon.[3] He set up shop within Bupyeong Market, which was then bustling with activity due to nearby Japanese military factories.[1] The restaurant moved to its current location in 1947.[3] Lee's son was born in Incheon,[3] and eventually took over the business; by 2018 he was over 70 years old and preparing to hand of the restaurant to the next generation.[2]
