In May, Hollys opened its first overseas store in Osaka, Japan, targeting the country's youth with Korean-style cafes and desserts. The shop features unique items like Yakgwa Cream Latte, which has become a bestseller.
Ediya Coffee launched its first franchise in Guam last December, with plans for two more by year-end. The company has also signed a master franchise agreement in Malaysia, aiming for 200 stores within five years. Ediya exports coffee products to 23 countries, reporting a 120 percent increase in export sales last year.
Paik's Coffee, under The Born Korea, operates eight stores in the Philippines and two in Singapore. The brand emphasizes menu localization to appeal to foreign tastes.
Mega MGC Coffee debuted in Ulaanbaatar, Mongolia, in May and is exploring expansion into other Asian and American markets. The company boasts over 150 menu items, including various beverages beyond coffee.
Industry experts attribute this trend to the global Korean culture boom and saturated domestic market. As of 2022, South Korea had over 100,000 coffee shops, double the number from 2016.
The overseas growth of Korean coffee franchises is expected to continue, riding the wave of K-food popularity and seeking new opportunities beyond the competitive home market.
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