Korean fried chicken, a star of the K-food wave, is spreading its wings beyond domestic borders. As the market in South Korea becomes increasingly saturated, major chicken chains are focusing on expanding their global footprint, with impressive results.

BBQ’s Hollywood Premiere
BBQ has made a grand entrance into Hollywood, Los Angeles, opening a new store right in the heart of the city. With a bustling population of nearly 4 million and attracting 10 million tourists annually, this location is a prime spot just 500 meters from the famed “Honorary Street.” BBQ’s Hollywood store is already drawing attention, reflecting the growing global love for Korean fried chicken.

Currently, BBQ operates in 28 U.S. states, including popular areas like New York, New Jersey, California, and Texas. Their U.S. presence alone boasts around 250 stores. Beyond America, BBQ is thriving internationally with over 700 outlets in 57 countries, up from 500 at the end of 2022. Last year, BBQ’s international sales surged to 110 billion won, a 69% increase from the previous year, showcasing their soaring popularity.

bhc’s Explosive Growth in Asia
bhc chicken is also making waves, with its overseas sales skyrocketing by 334% in just the first five months of this year. Since opening its first store in Thailand in January, bhc has rapidly expanded to six locations in the country within six months. Their goal is to reach 10 stores in Thailand by the end of the year. Globally, bhc operates over 20 stores in the U.S., Singapore, Malaysia, Hong Kong, and now Thailand. Their approach varies by region, with a mix of master franchise agreements and direct store management.

Kyochon’s Expansion in China
Kyochon Chicken, another beloved brand, has been gaining momentum in China, where it recently opened its third store in Hangzhou. With 73 stores spread across six countries, Kyochon’s international sales reached 17.8 billion won last year, marking an 11% increase over the past two years. Despite scaling back in Thailand due to a franchise agreement ending, Kyochon is exploring new ways to expand in the region, where interest in K-food remains high.

Goobne and Mom’s Touch Join the Global Race
Goobne Chicken is also accelerating its international presence, with 39 stores in 10 countries, including the U.S., Hong Kong, Japan, China, and Malaysia. They recently opened their fourth store in LA’s Koreatown, solidifying their presence in the competitive U.S. market.

Meanwhile, Mom’s Touch is expanding its reach across Asia, operating multiple stores in Thailand, Mongolia, and Japan. They have ambitious plans to enter new markets like Laos, Cambodia, Indonesia, Malaysia, and Kazakhstan this year.

The Rise of K-Chicken
As K-culture continues to captivate global audiences through movies and dramas, Korean fried chicken is riding the wave of popularity. While the domestic market in South Korea faces challenges like price resistance and saturation, these brands are finding new opportunities abroad. With lower resistance to price increases and a growing appetite for Korean cuisine, the international market offers fertile ground for expansion.

Korean chicken companies are seizing the moment, bringing a taste of Korea to the world and seeing remarkable growth in the process. The future looks bright for K-chicken as it continues to win hearts and palates around the globe.