Ottogi Corporation recently commemorated the 10th anniversary of the passing of its founder, the late Ham Tae-ho, with a memorial ceremony held on November 11th at the Ham Tae-ho Hall in Anyang, Gyeonggi Province. The event served as an occasion to reflect on the founding principles that guided Ham, including his emphasis on quality, the concept of ‘food as a national pillar,’ and a spirit of sharing.
The Genesis of Ottogi: From Humble Beginnings to a Food Industry Giant
Born in Wonsan, Hamgyongnam-do, in 1930, Ham Tae-ho’s early life was shaped by the Korean War. After completing his mandatory military service, he embarked on a career in the food industry. In 1969, he established the precursor to Ottogi, Poonglim Industrial Co., in Mullae-dong, Yeongdeungpo-gu, Seoul, with a small factory. This marked the true beginning of Ottogi’s journey.
The company launched its first product, ‘Ottogi Curry,’ in May of the same year, officially entering the food business. This was followed by a series of innovative products that were novel to the Korean palate at the time, including Worcestershire sauce, ketchup, mayonnaise, and vinegar. Ottogi played a pivotal role in introducing and popularizing these condiments and ingredients in South Korea.
Pioneering Convenience Foods: The ‘3-Minute Curry’ Revolution
A significant milestone in Ottogi’s history was the introduction of ‘3-Minute Curry’ in 1981. This product, packaged in a retort pouch, revolutionized the instant food market by offering a convenient meal that required no additional cooking – simply heating it up. This innovation not only cemented Ottogi’s position in the market but also expanded its business scope into a wider range of processed foods as curry, ketchup, and mayonnaise became staple items in Korean households.
Founding Principles: Quality, National Contribution, and Social Responsibility
Throughout his business career, Ham Tae-ho consistently prioritized quality above all else. His philosophy was that products should be made with the same care and consideration as if they were for his own family. This dedication to taste and safety formed the bedrock of Ottogi’s operations. The company’s corporate slogan, ‘Better quality, higher nutrition, and more advanced food to contribute to the improvement of human life,’ directly stems from this founding spirit.
The concept of ‘food as a national pillar’ (Sikpum Boguk) was another core tenet of Ham’s business philosophy. He believed that a strong food industry was essential for national development. This belief was reflected in the company’s culture, which included flying the national flag at all Ottogi factories nationwide and singing the national anthem during monthly meetings and important events. This fostered a sense of patriotism and national contribution within the company.
Philanthropy and Social Contribution: A Lasting Commitment
Ottogi’s commitment to social contribution began early in its history. In 1992, the company started supporting children with congenital heart disease through the Korea Foundation for Special Children. This initiative expanded in 1996 with the establishment of the Ottogi Ham Tae-ho Foundation, which broadened the scope of its support to include scholarships and academic aid.
Initially, the company sponsored surgeries for five children with heart conditions each month. By the time of Ham Tae-ho’s passing, this program had assisted 4,265 children. Ottogi has continued this legacy, and as of August this year, the cumulative number of children supported has reached 6,783, demonstrating an enduring commitment to improving the lives of children and contributing to society.
Preserving the Legacy: The Ham Tae-ho Hall
In 2023, Ottogi dedicated a new space, the Ham Tae-ho Hall, created within the former production facilities of the Anyang plant. This site, which produced powdered curry and soup from 1972 until 2009, preserves the original structure and remnants of the Anyang No. 1 factory. Spanning approximately 8,700 square meters, the hall now serves as an exhibition and experience space.
The Ham Tae-ho Hall showcases the founder’s life and career, Ottogi’s product history, and the evolution of food culture. It stands as a testament to Ham Tae-ho’s vision and the company’s journey.
Looking Forward: Continuing the Founder’s Vision
Current Ottogi Chairman Ham Young-joon emphasized the importance of inheriting and developing the founder’s spirit of innovation and business philosophy. He stated, “Our crucial task is to ensure that Ottogi continues to be a sustainable company, regardless of who leads it. We aim to carry forward the founder’s dream of ‘abundant harvest’ (Pungnim), contributing to the betterment of human life through food, and to strive forward without complacency, always looking to the future.” This sentiment underscores Ottogi’s commitment to innovation, quality, and social contribution, carrying the founder’s legacy into the next generation.
