KOREAN NEWS

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...

Nongshim is starting direct communication with global fans through a collaboration with the popular Netflix animation "K-POP DEMON...

The Seoul Metropolitan Government will introduce “Seoul Table,” a local gourmet cooking class where foreign tourists can purchase...

French luxury brand Louis Vuitton will open its first permanent restaurant, “Le Café Louis Vuitton,” inside Louis Vuitton Maison Seoul in...

Nongshim has announced plans to export its new snack product “Melon Kick” to the North American market (United States and Canada). <Melon...

The Korea Federation of SMEs has published a special guidebook titled 2025 Favorite Restaurants of SME CEOs , featuring local eateries...

Nongshim is hosting a ‘Hello! Shin Ramyeon’ pop-up store at the Hankyu Department Store in Osaka until the 28th. This pop-up store is...

Orion announced on the 22nd that it has simultaneously launched the ‘Turtle Chip Seasoned Chicken Flavor’ in both Korea and the United...

Founded in 2022, Simpli has obtained the world's only patent for manufacturing "solid slice Gochujang" and has registered various...