What Inspired Gamsa

Hey! I’m Sarah, the founder of Gamsa Foods. As a Korean American growing up in the New York suburbs, my connection to Korea came through food. My mom’s home-cooked meals were my anchor—comforting, nourishing, and made with love.

When I moved out on my own, I craved those comforting meals but didn’t have the time to cook them. I turned to quick options from H Mart, only to realize that convenience often came at the cost of health. I wondered: Why should I have to choose between flavor, culture, and nutrition?

I started with breakfast because it’s my favorite meal, but also the hardest to get right. Mornings were rushed, and most quick options were overly sweet—nothing felt satisfying or reminded me of the savory breakfasts I grew up eating. Juk was always my favorite, but making it from scratch took hours.

That’s why I created Gamsa—to bring the warmth and comfort of home-cooked Korean flavors into a quick, easy breakfast. It’s about honoring the meals that shaped me, making them accessible, and most of all, gratitude—for the traditions that raised us and the new ones we create.

At Gamsa Foods, we believe that convenience shouldn’t mean sacrificing flavor, culture, or health. We’re redefining breakfast with savory, nourishing meals inspired by the Korean flavors we grew up with—because the first meal of the day should be satisfying, not just sweet and processed.

Our first product is an instant savory oatmeal inspired by 죽 (juk), the Korean rice porridge that has brought comfort to generations. Traditionally, 죽 (juk) takes hours to prep and make, but we’ve reimagined it into a quick and nourishing meal. Whether you're starting your day or needing something warm and satisfying, Gamsa is here to bring the comfort of home to your busiest days.

Why a Persimmon?

We chose a persimmon as our logo for multiple reasons. It’s a playful nod to our name: Gamsa Foods. 감 (Gam) means persimmon in Korean. Outside of denoting gratitude, 감사 (Gam-sa) can also mean “buy persimmons”. However, the decision goes much deeper than simple wordplay…

Persimmons remind me of my dad, who grew up in Daegu, South Korea. His backyard was filled with persimmon trees, and each fall, the delicious orange fruit became a gift of appreciation for neighbors. I’ve heard countless stories featuring the family’s persimmon trees.

Those stories became part of my childhood, and persimmons became my favorite fruit.

In Korean culture, persimmons symbolize transformation. They start green and sour, but with time and patience, they ripen into something sweet and vibrant. For me, the persimmon represents growth, perseverance, and the beauty of finding sweetness in the journey. It’s a reminder of everything Gamsa Foods stands for—appreciating the process, embracing change, and spreading joy.