CU, a leading convenience store operator in South Korea, is set to open its first store in Hawaii this October, marking a significant move into the American market, known as the birthplace of convenience stores. CU plans to differentiate its offerings by including popular Korean food items such as gimbap (Korean sushi rolls) and ramen, alongside local favorites like poke. The expansion comes amidst the growing popularity of Korean food in the US, particularly among younger generations. CU has previously expanded successfully in countries like Mongolia, Malaysia, and Kazakhstan. The Hawaiian branch will aim to leverage the region's tourism appeal, with over 10 million visitors annually, to quickly grow the number of CU stores. This marks the fourth international market for CU, boosting the global presence of Korean convenience stores.
