How Korean Fried Chicken Conquered the Global Market
Korean fried chicken (KFC), originally adapted from dishes brought by US soldiers after the Korean War, has evolved into a global culinary phenomenon and a cornerstone of the K-food wave. What began as an American import was transformed in the 1980s by Daegu owner Yoon Jong-gye, who developed 'yangnyeom chicken'—a sweet, sticky, and spicy variant that remains crispy even when cold. Today, South Korea boasts approximately 40,000 fried chicken restaurants and brands operating over 1,800 stores in 60 countries. Institutions like 'Chicken University' train thousands of franchise owners annually, while government surveys confirm it is the most popular Korean food among international consumers. Despite not being traditional cuisine, this dish has sparked thousands of variations and earned South Korea the nickname 'Republic of Fried Chicken.'
Wire timeline
How Korean Fried Chicken Conquered the Global Market
Korean fried chicken (KFC), originally adapted from dishes brought by US soldiers after the Korean War, has evolved into a global culinary phenomenon and a cornerstone of the K-food wave. What began as an American import was transformed in the 1980s by Daegu owner Yoon Jong-gye, who developed 'yangnyeom chicken'—a sweet, sticky, and spicy variant that remains crispy even when cold. Today, South Korea boasts approximately 40,000 fried chicken restaurants and brands operating over 1,800 stores in 60 countries. Institutions like 'Chicken University' train thousands of franchise owners annually, while government surveys confirm it is the most popular Korean food among international consumers. Despite not being traditional cuisine, this dish has sparked thousands of variations and earned South Korea the nickname 'Republic of Fried Chicken.'
The Guardian