"STAR:T UP" is a series that provides useful startup information for members of the university community, connecting "Star" and "Startup." Channel PNU cooperates with Pusan National University (PNU) Entrepreneurship & Start-up Foundation.

On March 16th, "Channel PNU" interviewed Park Sang-Hwa, CEO of "Food Travel," at Food Travel headquarters , which is situated at WeWork BIFC in Nam-gu, Busan. We heard about the process of starting a business, their business philosophy, and future goals from CEO Park, who said he wants to serve-up happiness through food trucks. Food Travel was selected as a start-up company in the 2022 startup vitalization program for startup-centric universities by PNU Entrepreneurship & Startups Foundation and has received funding and program support.

Q. Due to COVID-19, the food truck business faced a crisis. We are curious about the process of overcoming it.

A. As the event was canceled due to COVID-19, I had a lot of time to think. At the time, Korea had a lot of restaurants relative to its population, and there was a lot of food everywhere, so I wondered if the essential function of a food truck would work properly. What I found then was the celebrities' coffee trucks. People were using the trucks as a medium to convey messages to each other rather than snacks. Sending coffee or tea as a “surprise” and making those who receive it feel happy seemed no different from the happiness I felt in Europe and America. That's how “Giftluck” was born.

Among the employees, we often say “thanks to” the corona, not “because of'' the COVID-19. I learned and gained confidence that although a crisis strikes, I can create opportunities if I focus more on what “customer happiness” is.

Q. Compared to 2021, Giftluck sales rose rapidly last year. What is the key to success?

A. Customers who have experienced it once have a high repurchase rate. From the first moment when a customer searches on the Internet, when paying, and introducing it to others, I think customers should be happy in all these moments. That's why I put forward keywords like “employee welfare” rather than “coffee trucks” and always write postings for marketing from the customer's point of view.

Food Travel does not spend even 1% on marketing expenses compared to its sales. Brand awareness is spreading by word of mouth among customers who have experienced Giftlucks, and its power seems to be spreading widely as they introduce it to others. In the end, I think “finding happiness from the customer’s point of view” is the success factor.

Q. What is the most memorable place among the sites Giftluck has visited so far?

A. There was a site where I could see the value of happiness that Giftluck brings. It was the customer's father's retirement ceremony. Two daughters secretly ordered a Giftluck for their father, who was gloomy because the retirement ceremony was canceled due to COVID-19. The truck had video letters from relatives, family, and friends supporting their father. Seeing that, the father's face looked so happy, to such an extent that his hard work melted away. At that spot, I felt that “I’m doing something valuable” and “I’m giving someone's family unforgettable memories and happiness for the rest of their lives.”

Q. What are the future goals and visions of Food Travel?

A. This year, we are working hard to grow more than triple last year's sales. In the short term, the goal is for all domestic businesses to use Giftluck. The ultimate goal is to create the best customer happiness and become a team with the best corporate culture. I always dream of promoting Korean culture and food to the world through food trucks. In addition, since the essence of Food Travel is “customer's happiness,” I think it can do other things beyond food trucks.

Q. Many students who dream of starting a business think about starting a business in Seoul rather than Busan due to the gap in infrastructure. As an alumnus who started a business in Busan, what do you think?

A. It is true that you could have difficulties not only in Busan but in Seoul. While Seoul is much more competitive, startups that are making headway in Busan can get a lot more attention. Both Seoul and Busan have their respective strengths and weaknesses, and we have tried to further strengthen the advantages. However, the density of intensity is different between Busan and Seoul. As a result, it is relatively easy to fall into the inertia of “That’s enough,” but I think we need to take precautions in this part.

Q. Please introduce the type of talented person Food Travel wants.

A. We hope P​​NU's outstanding individuals take an interest in Food Travel. First of all, they should have a positive mindset at the base. We want people who are thirsty for self-growth with positive thinking and energy that says “I can do it”. It is also important to have an attitude of accepting change without being afraid of challenges.

Q. Please share some advice with PNU students and the young people who dream of starting a business.

A. You do not need to think starting a business is too difficult. Entrepreneurship is something anyone can do. If you have a strong desire for self-growth and want to test your limits, I recommend you experience the start-up culture or make the most intense energy, even if you are not starting a business. I hope young people do not create their own limits.

Reporter Jung Hye-Eun

Translated by Kim Hyeon-Hee