By Honorary Reporter Maria Corazon Varias from Philippines
Photos = G.G. Cakraft

In 2016, I stumbled on a workshop on Korean buttercream flower cakes by a Philippine instructor licensed by the Republic of Korea Flowercake Association (RKFA). Curious about what Korean buttercream was about, I took her beginner and advanced classes. It was intimidating at first but I got so much happiness not only from making them but also in creating a visual product that I never thought I was capable of.

Because of this, I decided to interview the head of G.G. Cakcraft, a cake brand whose head chairs the RKFA, to share her insights. My instructor learned from her at workshops in Manila in 2016.

This email interview was held from May 17 to 31.

Briefly introduce yourself.

My name is Kang Joo-hee, a Korean buttercream flower cake designer in Seoul who has run a related business for 12 years. I'm better known by my nickname G.G. from my brand G.G. Cakraft, which I promote as a YouTube creator. I also manufacture and export utensils for making cakes, chair the RKFA and issue licenses for flower cake experts.  

Kang Joo-hee is better known by her YouTube creator name G.G. of the brand G.G. Cakraft.

How did you become an instructor in this field?

I started in 2012 while I was a university student majoring in fine arts. I saw a traditional buttercream flower cake and afterwards, I grew immersed in making cakes and experimented with them day and night. Using my experience as an art major, I focused on the beauty of cakes and taught how to mix colors and move hands to create delicate expressions. 

What cake trends are popular in Korea?
Just 10 years ago, flower cakes were merely one category of decoration cakes but Korean flower cakes are now trending all over the world. More recently, flower cakes come in a variety of styles and are no longer limited to one ingredient. This has led to major development in expression and changes in style. 

What are your favorite creations?

Among my numerous designs, the first thing that comes to mind is jewel cake, which is made with sugar crystals and use their sparkles. The combination of shiny materials and glossy buttercream is great.

The designs receiving the most love are cherry blossom designs and flower potted cakes. The latter design I developed early by sculpting a cake sheet into a flowerpot shape and expressing stones and soil with crumbs and nuts. Many people mistook the cake for a real plant and held it with their hands.

From left to right are jewel, cherry blossom and flower potted cakes. 

What are your plans in this field?

My top goal as a cake artist is to continue creating beautiful cakes and meeting many people around the world. I want to deliver good influence, happiness and love through my cakes.

My short-term goal is to open an offline store. If I get the opportunity, I want to open branches in other countries including the Philippines. 

The ruffles and frills help this cake look clear and delicate.

What advice do you have for aspiring flower cake artists?
When I make a flower cake, I don't consider it a job and am always trying to create better things. When creating a cake, it should be the greatest piece of art in the world as it will be part of someone's unforgettable moment. Cake designers should be proud and honored to be part of that moment.

msjeon22@korea.kr

*This article is written by a Korea.net Honorary Reporter. Our group of Honorary Reporters are from all around the world, and they share with Korea.net their love and passion for all things.