Chingu is a vibrant Korean restaurant located in the heart of Kansas City’s Westport district.
We offer a modern take on Korean street food, and homestyle dishes, paired with a curated selection of soju, makgeoli, and cocktails inspired by Korean flavors. With a welcoming atmosphere and exceptional service, Chingu is the perfect spot to enjoy authentic Korean cuisine, whether you're out for drinks or a full dining experience.
Visit us to savor the tastes of Korea and make new friends along the way!

MEET THE CHEF
KEEYOUNG KIM

Keeyoung Kim, born in Seoul, South Korea, and raised in the Washington, D.C. area, found his early passion for food in his mother's kitchen and at the tables of friends from diverse backgrounds. While his parents hoped he would follow a more traditional path, Keeyoung’s love for the restaurant industry ignited while working part-time during college at Northwestern University, where he earned his degree in Economics.

After graduating, Keeyoung dove headfirst into the world of food, contributing to the launch of various restaurant concepts, from coffee shops to Italian eateries. In January 2016, he made Kansas City his new home and, by July of that year, introduced his first pop-up restaurant, Sura Eats, which focused on Korean comfort food. His goal was to bring the vibrant flavors and traditions of Korean cuisine to the city, while also adding his own personal twist, shaped by both his Korean heritage and his American upbringing.

Keeyoung’s journey led to the opening of Chingu, a full-service restaurant that offers not only food but also an immersive experience of Korean culture through its dishes and drinks. Chingu allows Keeyoung to bring together his deep respect for traditional Korean flavors with his unique perspective, creating a space where Kansas City residents can explore Korean food in a way that’s both authentic and approachable.

Through Chingu, Keeyoung is proud to share his love for Korean cuisine and to cultivate a strong, dedicated team, some of whom have been with him since the early days of Sura Eats. His vision goes beyond just food – it’s about fostering personal growth, building community, and sparking curiosity about Korean culture in Kansas City.