In a region where culinary creativity thrives, Bulkogi stands out not just for its bold Korean BBQ flavors but for the story behind the sizzle. Founded in 2009 by the So Family – Jin, Jenny, and Christine – the original Bulkogi Truck was one of the first food trucks to hit the streets of the Triangle, helping to shape the vibrant mobile dining scene we know today. With its authentic Korean tastes and inventive fusion menu, Bulkogi quickly became a local favorite. But after a brief run of success, the truck and later its brick-and-mortar location closed due to illness in the family.
In 2014, the vision was reignited. Joe Choi and Shinae Lee, part of the same Harvesters Church ministry as the So family, revived the Bulkogi Truck with the original recipes fully intact – flavors that had taken a full year to perfect. The mission behind the food also expanded: now, every bite helps support the launch of young missionaries into communities around the world. Today, Bulkogi continues that goal from its home at Boxyard RTP, serving up sizzling BBQ with a side of global purpose.
To learn more about what drives the team today, we caught up with co-owner Charlie Ji, who shared some insight with Southpoint Access.
Southpoint Access: What inspired you to start your business, and how did you end up at Boxyard RTP?
Charlie Ji: Our journey began with a deep love for Korean BBQ and a desire to introduce people to bold, creative flavors that blend tradition with innovation. What started as a food truck evolved into something bigger as we realized how much joy it brought people. We used to serve in RTP often, and the response was always incredible – there’s such a diverse, open-minded community here. So when we heard about Boxyard RTP, we immediately knew it was where we wanted to be. It felt like a full-circle moment to go from popping up in the area to becoming part of this vibrant, permanent space.
Southpoint Access: What makes your product, service, or experience unique to the Triangle – or even just to Boxyard?
Charlie Ji: We offer Korean BBQ with a twist – think kimchi fries, bulkogi rice bowls, and unexpected flavor mashups you won’t find anywhere else in the Triangle. Boxyard gives us a stage to be playful, experiment with the menu, and serve a diverse crowd that’s just as adventurous as our food. We were always inspired to create something like a Korean Chipotle.
Southpoint Access: How do you engage with the local community, and what does being part of South Durham mean to your business?
Charlie Ji: South Durham has been incredibly supportive, and we love being part of this tight-knit, diverse, and growing community. We make it a point to collaborate with other local vendors, support events, and create a welcoming space for everyone – from RTP workers grabbing lunch to families discovering us on the weekends. We also do a lot of Durham events with Bulkogi food truck.
Southpoint Access: What’s something people might not know about your business, your team, or your process – but should?
Charlie Ji: Our team comes from all walks of life, and every dish reflects a collective creative effort. Behind the scenes, we’re always testing new recipes – some inspired by our childhoods, others by customer suggestions. Also, nearly everything is made fresh in-house, including our sauces, marinades.
Southpoint Access: What are your current goals or upcoming plans. Anything exciting on the horizon?
Charlie Ji: We’re working on a few things! Can’t divulge further, however, excited to bring something new.
Boxyard RTP is at 900 Park Offices Dr. Bulkogi is open seven days. Monday, 11 a.m. to 3 p.m.; Tuesday through Saturday, 11 a.m. to 8:30 p.m., and Sunday, 10 a.m. to 3 p.m.
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Author: Wes Platt
Lead storyteller. Game designer and journalist. Recovering Floridian. Email: southpointaccessnews@gmail.com.
