Soul of Korean
Last inspected: Mar 12, 2026
52
Score
Across the available record, Soul of Korean has 10 inspections on file, the first dated 2022. Inspectors last stopped by on Mar 12, 2026. A high risk tier suggests the facility had a rough recent inspection, with multiple violations on record.
Recent inspections have turned up roughly the same number of issues each time, hovering near seven violations per visit.
Looking across the full record, “food-contact surface soiled with food debris” is the recurring theme, flagged five times.
Restaurants in Tampa average 79, so Soul of Korean trails the local norm. Diners may want to scan the inspection details before deciding to visit.
10
Inspections
0
Critical latest
2
Major latest
9
Minor latest
Inspection History
Mar 12, 2026
Routine - Food
2 major violations. 9 minor violations.
View 11 violations
Intermediate - Food-contact surface soiled with food debris, mold-like substance or slime. Observed stained cutting boards on the flip top unit.
22-02-4
Intermediate - No paper towels or mechanical hand drying device provided at handwash sink in the front area.
31B-02-4
Basic - Clean equipment/utensils not stored at least 6 inches above the floor. Observed cutting boards and bowls being stored on the floor in the kitchen. **Repeat Violation**
24-26-4
Basic - Current Hotel and Restaurant license not displayed. Observed the expired license on display.
50-09-4
Basic - Cutting board has cut marks and is no longer cleanable on the flip top unit and kitchen prep tables.
14-09-4
Basic - Employee beverage container on a food preparation table or over/next to clean equipment/utensils. Observed several employee drinks being stored above equipment in the kitchen prep area.
12B-07-4
Basic - Food stored on floor. Observed an open bag of rice stored on the floor.
08B-38-4
Basic - Nonfood-contact surface soiled with grease, food debris, dirt, slime or dust.Observed the doors to the reach in cooler near the kitchen entrance being soiled with food debris.
23-03-4
Basic - Reach-in cooler interior/shelves have accumulation of soil residues. Observed the interior of the reach in coolers being soiled with food debris. **Repeat Violation**
22-16-4
Basic - Reach-in cooler shelves with rust that has pitted the surface. Observed near the kitchen entrance. **Repeat Violation**
14-33-4
Basic - Working containers of food removed from original container not identified by common name. Observed several bottles on the cook line containing sauces with no labels.
02D-01-5
52
Oct 8, 2025
Routine - Food
1 major violation. 3 minor violations.
View 4 violations
Intermediate - Food-contact surface soiled with food debris, mold-like substance or slime. Observed the reach in cooler being soiled with food debris.
22-02-4
Basic - Cleaned and sanitized equipment or utensils not properly stored. Observed clean cooking equipment being stored on floor.
24-07-4
Basic - Plumbing system in disrepair. Observed the handwashing sink pipes being disconnected. Employee was able to connect and tighten them . **Corrected On-Site**
29-08-4
Basic - Reach-in cooler shelves with rust that has pitted the surface. Observed rust shelves in the reach in coo,er on the cook line. **Repeat Violation**
14-33-4
78
Mar 24, 2025
Routine - Food
4 minor violations.
View 4 violations
Basic - Cutting board has cut marks and is no longer cleanable on the prep table. **Repeat Violation**
14-09-4
Basic - Food stored on floor. Observed a large bag of rice being stored on the floor near the entrance of the kitchen. Manger placed on the counter. **Corrected On-Site**
08B-38-4
Basic - Nonfood-contact surface soiled with grease, food debris, dirt, slime or dust. Observed soiled gaskets on the reach in cooler in the food prep area.
23-03-4
Basic - Reach-in cooler shelves with rust that has pitted the surface. Observed shelves that began to rust in the reach in cooler near the kitchen entrance.
14-33-4
82
Dec 5, 2024
Routine - Food
1 major violation. 7 minor violations.
View 8 violations
Hands Clean and Properly Washed
FL-08
Food Received at Proper Temperature
FL-12
Required Records Available; Shellstock Tags/Labels
FL-14
Proper Hot and Cold Holding Temperatures
FL-21
Food Contact Surfaces Clean and Sanitized
FL-22
Non-Food Contact Surfaces Clean
FL-23
Warewashing Facilities Maintained and Used
FL-24
Approved Thawing Methods Used
FL-31
64
Mar 27, 2024
Routine - Food
1 critical violation. 1 major violation. 2 minor violations.
View 4 violations
Employee Health Policies Present
FL-03
Approved Thawing Methods Used
FL-31
Food and Non-Food Contact Surfaces Designed and Constructed
FL-50
Plumbing Maintained; Sewage Disposal
FL-51
70
Oct 26, 2023
Complaint Full
2 critical violations. 7 major violations. 1 minor violation.
View 10 violations
High Priority - - From initial inspection : High Priority - Nonfood-grade bags used in direct contact with food. to go bags used to store food **Warning** - From follow-up inspection 2023-10-26: **Time Extended**
14-31-5
High Priority - - From initial inspection : High Priority - Time/temperature control for safety food cold held at greater than 41 degrees Fahrenheit. reach in cooler cooks line tofu 45, shrimp 62, squid 59, cut lettuce 45, raw pork 44, chicken wings 44, items placed on ice during inspection **Corrective Action Taken** **Warning** - From follow-up inspection 2023-10-26: Ambient temperature in cooler 41 degrees F. All time/temperature control for food safety product prepared and placed in cooler for 30 minutes. **Time Extended**
03A-02-5
Intermediate - - From initial inspection : Intermediate - Establishment has no written procedures for employees to follow in response to a vomiting or diarrheal event where the vomit or diarrhea is discharged onto surfaces in the establishment. Emailed copy to operator **Warning** - From follow-up inspection 2023-10-26: **Time Extended**
11-27-4
Intermediate - - From initial inspection : Intermediate - Food service manager not certified within 30 days of employment. A list of accredited food manager certification examination providers can be found at http://www.myfloridalicense.com/DBPR/hotels-restaurants/food-lodging/food-manager/ Unchong Long present and states manager of establishment **Warning** - From follow-up inspection 2023-10-26: **Time Extended**
53A-04-6
Intermediate - - From initial inspection : Intermediate - Food-contact surface soiled with food debris, mold-like substance or slime. Interior reach in freezer interior of ice machine on interior of door **Warning** - From follow-up inspection 2023-10-26: **Time Extended**
22-02-4
Intermediate - - From initial inspection : Intermediate - No currently certified food service manager on duty with four or more employees engaged in food preparation/handling. A list of accredited food manager certification examination providers can be found at http://www.myfloridalicense.com/DBPR/hotels-restaurants/food-lodging/food-manager/ 4 employees (3 employees in kitchen , 1 front server ) no manager present **Warning** - From follow-up inspection 2023-10-26: **Time Extended**
53A-05-6
Intermediate - - From initial inspection : Intermediate - No probe thermometer provided to measure temperature of food products. **Warning** - From follow-up inspection 2023-10-26: **Time Extended**
05-08-4
Intermediate - - From initial inspection : Intermediate - No proof provided that food employees are informed of their responsibility to report to the person in charge information about their health and activities related to foodborne illnesses. 2 employees missing reporting agreement **Warning** - From follow-up inspection 2023-10-26: **Time Extended**
11-26-1
Intermediate - - From initial inspection : Intermediate - Proof of required state approved employee training not available for some employees. To order approved program food safety material, call DBPR contracted provider: Florida Restaurant and Lodging Association (SafeStaff) 866-372-7233. Two employees over 60 days no training **Warning** - From follow-up inspection 2023-10-26: **Time Extended**
53B-13-5
Basic - - From initial inspection : Basic - Floor soiled/has accumulation of debris. behind cooking equipment **Warning** - From follow-up inspection 2023-10-26: **Time Extended**
36-73-4
35
Oct 25, 2023
Complaint Full
4 critical violations. 8 major violations. 9 minor violations.
View 21 violations
High Priority - Live, small flying insects in kitchen, food preparation area, food storage area and/or bar area. 1 fly on curtain in kitchen **Warning**
35A-02-6
High Priority - Nonfood-grade bags used in direct contact with food. to go bags used to store food **Warning**
14-31-5
High Priority - Raw animal food stored over/not properly separated from ready-to-eat food. raw pork over cooked chicken wings in reach in cooler **Repeat Violation** **Warning**
08A-05-6
High Priority - Time/temperature control for safety food cold held at greater than 41 degrees Fahrenheit. reach in cooler cooks line tofu 45, shrimp 62, squid 59, cut lettuce 45, raw pork 44, chicken wings 44, items placed on ice during inspection **Corrective Action Taken** **Warning**
03A-02-5
Intermediate - Establishment has no written procedures for employees to follow in response to a vomiting or diarrheal event where the vomit or diarrhea is discharged onto surfaces in the establishment. Emailed copy to operator **Warning**
11-27-4
Intermediate - Food service manager not certified within 30 days of employment. A list of accredited food manager certification examination providers can be found at http://www.myfloridalicense.com/DBPR/hotels-restaurants/food-lodging/food-manager/ Unchong Long present and states manager of establishment **Warning**
53A-04-6
Intermediate - Food-contact surface soiled with food debris, mold-like substance or slime. Interior reach in freezer interior of ice machine on interior of door **Warning**
22-02-4
Intermediate - No chemical test kit provided when using sanitizer at three-compartment sink/warewashing machine or wiping cloths. **Warning**
16-37-1
Intermediate - No currently certified food service manager on duty with four or more employees engaged in food preparation/handling. A list of accredited food manager certification examination providers can be found at http://www.myfloridalicense.com/DBPR/hotels-restaurants/food-lodging/food-manager/ 4 employees (3 employees in kitchen , 1 front server ) no manager present **Warning**
53A-05-6
Intermediate - No probe thermometer provided to measure temperature of food products. **Warning**
05-08-4
Intermediate - No proof provided that food employees are informed of their responsibility to report to the person in charge information about their health and activities related to foodborne illnesses. 2 employees missing reporting agreement **Warning**
11-26-1
Intermediate - Proof of required state approved employee training not available for some employees. To order approved program food safety material, call DBPR contracted provider: Florida Restaurant and Lodging Association (SafeStaff) 866-372-7233. Two employees over 60 days no training **Warning**
53B-13-5
Basic - Time/temperature control for safety food thawed in an improper manner. Raw chicken thawing at room temp on counter. Employee moved to reach in cooler **Corrected On-Site** **Warning**
06-01-5
Basic - Employee beverage container on a food preparation table or over/next to clean equipment/utensils. Open Soda on prep table **Warning**
12B-07-4
Basic - Clean glasses, cups, bowls, plates, pots and pans not stored inverted or in a protected manner. Behind rice hot holding utensils not inverted **Warning**
24-05-4
Basic - Employee personal items stored in or above a food preparation area, food, clean equipment and utensils, or single-service items. Employee bags above reach in cooler **Warning**
40-06-5
Basic - Floor soiled/has accumulation of debris. behind cooking equipment **Warning**
36-73-4
Basic - Food stored on floor. Corn syrup, oil , soy sauce stored on floor **Warning**
08B-38-4
Basic - No conspicuously located ambient air temperature thermometer in holding unit. upright reach in cooler **Warning**
05-09-4
Basic - Old labels stuck to food containers after cleaning. **Warning**
16-46-4
Basic - Reuse of single-service or single-use articles. country crock containers reused to store various foods **Warning**
25-32-4
16
Aug 18, 2023
Routine - Food
1 major violation. 2 minor violations.
View 3 violations
Food Obtained from Approved Sources
FL-11
Hot and Cold Water Available; Adequate Pressure
FL-25
Toxic Substances Properly Identified, Stored, Used
FL-32
70
Jun 19, 2023
Routine - Food
2 critical violations. 5 major violations. 3 minor violations.
View 10 violations
High Priority - Operating with an expired Division of Hotels and Restaurants license. Expired 2-1-2023 **Admin Complaint**
50-17-3
High Priority - Raw animal food stored over/not properly separated from ready-to-eat food. Observed raw beef and chicken stored over cooked chicken in reach in cooler **Repeat Violation** **Warning**
08A-05-6
Intermediate - Establishment has no written procedures for employees to follow in response to a vomiting or diarrheal event where the vomit or diarrhea is discharged onto surfaces in the establishment. **Warning**
11-27-4
Intermediate - No paper towels or mechanical hand drying device provided at handwash sink. On cook line **Repeat Violation** **Warning**
31B-02-4
Intermediate - No proof of required state approved employee training provided for any employees. To order approved program food safety material, call DBPR contracted provider: Florida Restaurant and Lodging Association (SafeStaff) 866-372-7233. **Warning**
53B-01-5
Intermediate - No proof provided that food employees are informed of their responsibility to report to the person in charge information about their health and activities related to foodborne illnesses. **Warning**
11-26-1
Intermediate - Ready-to-eat, time/temperature control for safety food prepared onsite and held more than 24 hours not properly date marked. Cooked chicken and cooked beef in reach in cooler not dated **Repeat Violation** **Warning**
02C-02-5
Basic - Bathroom door left open other than during cleaning or maintenance. **Warning**
32-02-4
Basic - Bathroom located inside establishment not completely enclosed with self-closing doors. **Warning**
32-04-4
Basic - Single-service articles not stored inverted or protected from contamination. Observed cups with plastic spoons and forks standing upright in server station. Manager fixed **Corrected On-Site** **Warning**
25-06-4
39
Dec 7, 2022
Complaint Full
1 critical violation. 2 major violations. 2 minor violations.
View 5 violations
High Priority - - From initial inspection : High Priority - Raw animal food stored over/not properly separated from ready-to-eat food. Observed raw pork beef and chicken stored over cooked chicken in cook line cooler **Warning** - From follow-up inspection 2022-12-07: **Time Extended**
08A-05-6
Intermediate - - From initial inspection : Intermediate - Food-contact surface soiled with food debris, mold-like substance or slime. Cutting boards stained on cook line **Warning** - From follow-up inspection 2022-12-07: **Time Extended**
22-02-4
Intermediate - - From initial inspection : Intermediate - Required employee training provided by a third-party employee training program and operator unable to provide original certificate for employees trained. Observed photo of safe staff training **Warning** - From follow-up inspection 2022-12-07: **Time Extended**
53B-09-4
Basic - - From initial inspection : Basic - Equipment in poor repair. Observed torn gasket in cook line reach in cooler **Warning** - From follow-up inspection 2022-12-07: **Time Extended**
14-11-5
Basic - - From initial inspection : Basic - Bathroom door left open other than during cleaning or maintenance. **Warning** - From follow-up inspection 2022-12-07: **Time Extended**
32-02-4
64
Frequently Asked Questions
When was Soul of Korean last inspected?
The most recent health inspection at Soul of Korean on file is from Mar 12, 2026. The public record contains 10 inspections in total.
What is the most common violation at Soul of Korean?
Across the inspection record, “food-contact surface soiled with food debris” has been cited five times, more than any other issue at Soul of Korean.
How does Soul of Korean compare to other restaurants in Tampa?
Soul of Korean most recently scored 52 out of 100, which is lower than the Tampa average of 79.
Has Soul of Korean's inspection record improved over time?
Results have been roughly steady. Inspections at Soul of Korean have averaged around seven violations per visit across the recent record.
What does a high risk rating mean?
A high risk rating at Soul of Korean means the most recent inspection flagged either critical violations or a substantial number of smaller ones. Diners may want to read the violation details before deciding to visit.
How often is Soul of Korean inspected?
Based on the inspection history on file, Soul of Korean is inspected around three times per year on average.
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