S. Korean restaurant chains operating over 4,600 overseas outlets: data

▲ This file photo, provided by fried chicken chain Genesis BBQ Co. on Dec. 24, 2025, shows its drive-thru outlet in New Jersey. (PHOTO NOT FOR SALE) (Yonhap)

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S. Korean restaurant chains operating over 4,600 overseas outlets: data

SEOUL, Feb. 6 (Yonhap) -- South Korean food service companies were operating more than 4,600 outlets in overseas markets as of last year, government data showed Friday.

A total of 139 restaurant brands had opened 4,644 outlets in 56 countries as of end-December, according to the data compiled by the Ministry of Agriculture, Food and Rural Affairs, and the Korea Agro-Fisheries & Food Trade Corp.

In 2023, there were 144 restaurant brands operating 4,382 outlets in the same number of countries.

By nation, there were 56 Korean restaurant brands in the United States in 2025 and 43 brands in Vietnam.

China had 35 Korean dining brands, Japan 33 and the Philippines 31.

In terms of the number of outlets, the U.S. accounted for nearly 24 percent, or 1,104, of all overseas outlets, with major fried chicken brands, such as BBQ Chicken and Bonchon Chicken, and bakery brands, like Paris Baguette and Tous les Jours, showing a strong presence.

Korean companies operated 830 outlets in China, marking a 15 percent increase from 2024 but a 40 percent decrease from 2020.

There were 634 Korean dining outlets in Vietnam, 294 in the Philippines, 231 in Thailand, 166 in Canada and 143 in Japan.

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