Fact Check: Why Local Korean Restaurants Are Disappearing
Creatrip Team
a year ago
The proportion of Korean restaurants in South Korea has been steadily decreasing since 2016, with 2,000 fewer Korean food businesses compared to the previous year. Factors contributing to this decline include challenges in food delivery, rising prices of diverse ingredients, and the franchise model becoming more prevalent in the Korean food industry. While overseas interest in Korean cuisine grows due to the popularity of K-pop and K-dramas, domestically, Western, Japanese, Chinese, and fast food establishments are gaining a larger share. Economic downturns and increased delivery fees have hit Korean restaurants particularly hard. As a result, individuals are opting for franchise-supported operations over private ventures, leading to a noticeable increase in Korean food franchises. The shift towards franchising reflects the difficulty for small owners to keep up with trends and menu innovations without company backing. This transition also highlights a challenge in recruiting new chefs dedicated to Korean cuisine.
