Chicken Franchise Boom in Korea Hits 30,000 — Industry Faces Warning
Creatrip Team
2 months ago
South Korea’s franchise chicken shops have surpassed 30,000 for the first time, reaching 31,397 outlets in 2023, a 5.3% increase from the year before. Major brands include BBQ (2,316 stores), bhc (2,228) and Kyochon (1,361). While total franchise sales rose to 8.78 trillion won, average sales per franchise and employee numbers showed only small gains or slight declines, and the overall number of all chicken shops (including independent stores) has fallen for three straight years. Analysts say the market is saturated, prompting brands to expand overseas — BBQ recently entered Europe, opened a drive-thru in the U.S., and reentered China; bhc moved into Indonesia; and Kyochon opened stores in China. (drive-thru: a restaurant service where customers are served in their cars)
