KOREAN NEWS

CJ CheilJedang has announced the establishment of a fully automated production facility for frozen Gimbapt its CJ Blossom Campus in Jincheon. This marks the first time in the food industry that the entire process—from ingredient insertion and rolling to cutting and tray loading—has been automated. Developed in-house over 18 months, the system significantly increases production speed while maintaining consistent weight and meeting strict global hygiene standards. Leveraging it

Released on the 26th of last month, Orion’s limited-edition "Moist Yellow Cheese Chip" has become an instant hit, causing a massive shortage across the market. As the seasonal production run concluded, the product—originally priced at 4,480 KRW—is being resold on secondhand platforms for 15,000 to 20,000 KRW. Some e-commerce listings have even reached 45,000 KRW, a staggering ten times the retail price. According to Orion, all limited quantities have already been distributed

Leading South Korean bakery chains, including Tous Les Jours and Paris Baguette, have announced price reductions of up to 8.2% for key products, responding to lower flour and sugar costs. This move, influenced by government pressure to stabilize consumer prices, has raised public expectations for potential price cuts in other processed food sectors, such as instant noodles and snacks. However, food manufacturers are hesitant to lower prices due to escalating geopolitical risk

Following the "Dubai Cookie" craze, "Bomdong (Spring Cabbage) Bibimbap" has emerged as the latest viral food trend on Korean social media. A 2008 clip of entertainer Kang Ho-dong enjoying the dish has resurfaced, triggering a "Bibimbap Challenge" featuring seasonal greens. Short-form content views have surpassed 5 million, leading to a nearly 30% surge in Bomdong prices over the past month. Nutritiously, Bomdong is a powerhouse. It contains twice the calcium of eggs and doubl

Starbucks Korea launched its new product, the "Dubai Chewy Roll," at six major stores in Seoul on January 30. Reflecting the massive popularity of "Dubai Chewy Cookies" on social media, this new dessert features Kataifi (traditional Middle Eastern noodles) and pistachio paste wrapped in a marshmallow sheet. On the first day of release, despite temperatures in Seoul plunging to -12°C, long lines formed at major locations like Gwanghwamun over an hour before opening, leading to

Nongshim’s flagship product, Shin Ramyun, was featured on the popular ABC late-night talk show ‘Jimmy Kimmel Live!’ on the 26th (local time), garnering significant attention. During the broadcast, regular cast member Guillermo Rodriguez appeared in a humorous skit where he relieved daily fatigue with the "deliciously spicy taste" of Shin Ramyun. By naturally integrating the product into the content rather than using a forceful advertisement, the segment drew positive reaction

Recently, Karina, a member of the group aespa, gained attention by recommending the combination of Samgyeopsal (pork belly) and ramen as her "soul food" in a video on the YouTube channel "Editor Karina." Karina compared Samgyeopsal to life and memories, suggesting that a meal is only truly complete when ramen is added. This combination is a popular part of Korean food culture and is gaining interest among international fans following the K-pop star's recommendation. However,

The viral "Dubai Chewy Cookie" (Dujjonku) phenomenon in South Korea has reached a bizarre turning point as non-food businesses, including specialized bedding shops, have begun using the treat to lure customers.  Recent online reports featured a blanket shop advertising the cookies to entice visitors inside, following similar tactics used by sushi and eel restaurants. This trend of using a high-demand dessert as a "bait product" has sparked a heated debate regarding unethical

As of January 2026, South Korea's traditional markets have evolved far beyond mere grocery stops, emerging as the hottest "complex cultural spaces" for foreigners.  Data analysis from social media reveals that spots like Gwangjang Market and Mangwon Market consistently rank as the #1 "must-visit destinations" for global tourists. Recently, "fusion street food"—which blends traditional recipes with modern sensibilities—has gained immense popularity. The driving force behind th

In the first half of this year, the most widely consumed snack among Koreans was Shrimp Crackers, known locally as Saewookkang, which is often said to have been inspired by the Japanese snack Kappa Ebisen. According to data released on the 10th by the Food Industry Statistics Information Service, Saewookkang recorded retail sales of 57.8 billion won in the first half of the year, ranking first for the second consecutive year. It topped the overall rankings across all snack ca

The Blue Ribbon Survey, Korea's first domestic restaurant guide, has unveiled its “Seoul’s Best Restaurants 2026,” naming six new “Three Ribbon” establishments. Among the honorees are modern kaiseki "Kagen," Chef Ahn Seongjae's "Mosu Seoul," sushi specialty "Sosuhon," modern Korean "Soul Dining," high-end sushi "Hane," and Chinese master Chef Hu Deokjook’s "Hobin." This year’s rankings, determined by over 70,000 readers, now feature 43 three-ribbon restaurants, an increase of

The World Institute of Kimchi has transferred its joint-health improvement technology, developed using kimchi-derived probiotics, to ACE Biome, accelerating the development of functional bio-health materials. As aging accelerates and high-intensity exercise becomes more common, demand for joint-care solutions is rapidly increasing. This has positioned kimchi-based probiotic ingredients as a high-growth sector in the next-generation functional food market. The technology is ba

Korean hamburger and chicken brand Mom’s Touch has launched a limited-edition collaboration set with the globally popular game “Goddess of Victory: NIKKE.” collaboration celebrates the game’s third anniversary and marks the first official partnership between the two brands. Inspired by the in-game battle cue “Encounter,” the campaign aims to offer a unique cross-online/offline dining experience while engaging directly with fans of the game franchise. The collaboration feature

Korea’s major chicken franchise brands are turning their attention back to the burger market, responding to shifting consumer trends amid rising food prices. As dining costs soar and solo dining becomes more common, leading chicken franchises — including BBQ, bhc, and Kyochon — are diversifying their menus to appeal to value-conscious consumers. Though current offerings remain in a test phase, the companies plan to expand based on market reactions. bhc has launched three limi

In Korea, matcha has become a rising lifestyle trend among Gen Z, celebrities, and social media users. Unlike brewed green tea, matcha is...

SPC Group announced plans to bring U.S. Mexican franchise Chipotle Mexican Grill  (hereafter Chipotle) to Seoul in the first half of next...

Korea’s traditional liquor industry is actively launching miniature products. Small-sized bottles not only allow consumers to experience...

Nongshim announced on the 28th that, as part of its collaboration with Netflix’s K-POP Demon Hunters  that began on the 20th, it will...

Shinsegae Department Store will officially open its 1,200-pyeong (approx. 3,967㎡ / 42,760 sq ft / 1 acre) Premium Deli Hall on the...

Nongshim has opened its third global “Shin Ramyeon Bunsik” location in Ho Chi Minh, Vietnam. This experiential space is part of...