World · East Asia & Pacific · 1 hr ago
Texan Who Moved to South Korea After a Breakup Now Runs a Farm
Ryan Phillips moved from Texas to Seoul in 2006 after a breakup, when he was 27.
His father was born in Korea, but Phillips had never visited the country and did not speak Korean.
He first expected to teach cooking in South Korea for a year or two, then return to the US, but stayed and later studied hospitality in Seoul.
After an early attempt at organic farming failed, he built a farm near Seoul, now called Bearfoot Gardens, on rented land in Hwaseong.
The farm grows 30 varieties of chilies and other crops, and its ingredients go into hot sauces sold at three Seoul restaurants.
Phillips also hosts farm-to-table events and provides private catering, serving American barbecue, Mexican food and Korean food.
He says he has no interest in going back to the US and hopes to move closer to the farm next year.
Ryan Phillips moved from Texas to South Korea in 2006 after a breakup and has since built a life there.
He is now 47 and runs Bearfoot Gardens, a farm in Hwaseong near Seoul.
Phillips grows 30 varieties of chilies, along with herbs and other crops.
He also sells farm-made hot sauces to three restaurants around Seoul and hosts farm-to-table events.
He says he has no interest in returning to the US.
- Who
- Ryan Phillips, a 47-year-old Texan who runs Bearfoot Gardens.
- What
- He moved to South Korea after a breakup and now runs a farm.
- When
- He moved in 2006; he established his current farm plot earlier in 2026.
- Where
- Hwaseong, on the southwestern outskirts of Seoul, South Korea.
- Why
- He moved after a breakup, following a friend’s suggestion that he come to Korea and find work.
This story does not have two clearly opposing sides.
Phillips moved to Seoul after his relationship ended.
He returned to school for a master's in hospitality at Le Cordon Bleu in Seoul.
He rented and set up his current plot of land in Hwaseong.
- Age
- 47
- Move to South Korea
- 2006
- Farm
- Bearfoot Gardens, Hwaseong
- Chili varieties
- 30
- Hot sauce sales
- Three restaurants around Seoul
What people are saying
Man, just come to Korea. We'll find you a job.
I've got to find some land
Not like that! Single stalk!