Lee Yeon-bok Biography: Height, Age, YouTube, Net Worth, Instagram, Children, Awards, Ethnicity, Wife
Lee Yeon-bok (이연복) is a celebrated South Korean celebrity chef, restaurateur, culinary instructor and television personality specialising in Chinese cuisine.
He gained national recognition for his cooking expertise, restaurant Mokran and appearances on popular Korean television programmes.
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With more than five decades of culinary experience, he has become an influential figure in South Korea’s Chinese food industry.
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| Real Name: | Lee Yeon-bok (이연복) |
| Stage Name: | Lee Yeon-bok |
| Born: | July 11, 1959 (age 67 years old) |
| Place of Birth: | Wangsimni, Seongdong-gu, Seoul, South Korea |
| Nationality: | South Korean |
| Ethnicity: | Chinese (Korean-Chinese background) |
| Height: | 1.68 m (168 cm / 5 feet 6 inches) |
| Religion: | No religion |
| Parents: | Mr. and Mrs. Lee |
| Siblings: | Lee Yeon-hee and three other siblings |
| Spouse: | Lee Eun-sil |
| Children: | Lee Hong-woon and one daughter |
| Occupation: | Celebrity Chef, Restaurateur, Culinary Instructor, Television Personality |
| Net Worth: | $2 Million |
Early Life and Education
Lee Yeon-bok was born on July 11, 1959, in Wangsimni, Seoul, South Korea. He was raised by his parents, Mr. and Mrs. Lee, alongside his four siblings.
He comes from a Chinese ethnic background, with both sides of his family tracing their roots to China’s Shandong Province. He later acquired South Korean citizenship after previously holding Taiwanese nationality.
His zodiac sign is Cancer. He attended Hanseong Chinese Elementary School but left during sixth grade because of financial difficulties. His religion is No religion.
Career
Lee Yeon-bok initially established public recognition through his early involvement in the Chinese restaurant industry, beginning at approximately 13 years old. He initially worked as a delivery boy at a Chinese restaurant before gradually learning professional cooking techniques.
At 17, he began receiving more formal culinary training and developed his expertise in traditional Chinese dishes.
In 1977, he joined the Chinese restaurant at Savoy Hotel in Seoul, where he gained valuable professional experience. In 1980, he became the youngest head chef at the Taiwanese Embassy in South Korea, a significant achievement that strengthened his professional reputation.
He worked at the embassy for approximately eight years before moving to Japan in 1988, where he spent nearly a decade developing his culinary experience.
After returning to South Korea, Lee established his restaurant business, Mokran, in 1999. The restaurant became associated with his specialised Chinese cooking, particularly dishes such as Dongpo pork and menbosha.
His approach combines traditional Chinese cooking techniques with flavours suited to Korean customers.
His television career expanded significantly in 2015 after appearing on JTBC’s Please Take Care of My Refrigerator, which introduced his culinary skills and personality to a wider audience.
He subsequently appeared on programmes such as 4 Wheeled Restaurant, Chef & My Fridge, Fun-Staurant, Knowing Bros and Master in the House.
Lee also became involved in culinary education, serving as a distinguished professor at the Korea Hotel Tourism College. Beyond television and restaurant management, he expanded into food collaborations and digital entertainment.
In January 2026, he collaborated with COZY HOUSE to develop dishes combining Chinese culinary techniques with Western-style restaurant meals.
His restaurant business, television appearances, culinary instruction and commercial food collaborations continue to support his professional activities.
Awards and Nominations
- Culinary Impact Award (2026) – La Liste Special Awards Korea, recognising his contribution to public appreciation of gastronomy.
Social Media
- Instagram Handle: @fuxtom
- YouTube Channel: 이연복의 복주머니 (Lee Yeon-bok’s Lucky Bag)
Personal Life
Lee Yeon-bok, 67 years old, has been married to Lee Eun-sil for several decades. The couple have two children, a son named Lee Hong-woon and a daughter whose full name is not widely documented.
There is no verified public information about his previous romantic relationships.
Away from his restaurant and television commitments, Lee enjoys cooking, fishing and spending time with his family. He has also expressed interest in caring for abandoned animals. His height is 1.68 metres (168 cm or 5 feet 6 inches).
Net Worth
Lee Yeon-bok’s net worth is estimated at approximately $2 million USD. His financial earnings are associated with his extensive career as a celebrity chef, restaurateur and television personality.
His restaurant, Mokran, represents an important part of his commercial activities. Additional income sources include television appearances, culinary collaborations, food product development, restaurant partnerships and digital content creation.
His popular YouTube channel, Lee Yeon-bok’s Lucky Bag, also provides opportunities for digital advertising and brand partnerships. His more than five decades of culinary experience have contributed to his professional and financial development.
Discography/Filmography
- Television programmes
- Please Take Care of My Refrigerator
- 4 Wheeled Restaurant
- Fun-Staurant
- Knowing Bros
- Master in the House
- Boss in the Mirror
- Chef & My Fridge
- Street Restaurant Fighter
- Books
- The Master’s Cooking (사부의 요리)
What People Ask
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