CreatripTeam

Nongshim announced the opening of two new Coco Ichibanya (Japanese curry restaurant chain) franchise locations: Magok-Balsan and Gongdeok Lotte Castle. The Magok-Balsan store opened on April 28 in the busy Magok business district near LG Science Park and major offices, close to Magok and Balsan stations, targeting office workers and passing foot traffic. The Gongdeok Lotte Castle branch is in the basement mall linked to Gongdeok Station Exit 2, serving nearby office workers and residents of large apartment complexes. Both franchisees bring relevant experience: the Magok owner previously ran a restaurant in Balsan for eight years, and the Gongdeok owner transitioned from managing a company-owned Coco Ichibanya in Japan and Korea, inspired by the brand’s low closure rate and its “Bloom System” for developing franchisee staff. Coco Ichibanya allows customers to customize curry spiciness, rice portion, and toppings. Nongshim manages operations and franchise support in Korea through a partnership with the Japanese parent, focusing on careful, sustainable expansion and stronger support programs to improve franchisee profitability and cooperation.