Business · Companies · 5 hrs ago
Korean barbecue chains expand in the US and Southeast Asia
Korean barbecue chains Saemaul Sikdang and Hanam Pig House are expanding overseas, serving grilled pork with side dishes and stew.
Saemaul Sikdang’s store in Carrollton, Texas, had average monthly sales about 70% higher by the end of September than in its first year, 2023.
In Thailand, its 14 stores averaged about 100 million won in monthly sales per store last year, and it opened two locations in Mongolia in the first half of this year.
Hanam Pig House opened its 20th overseas store in Indonesia in March, expanding through a local master-franchise partner.
Interest in Korean food is also linked to Korean entertainment: 65.1% of people surveyed across 22 cities said Korean content prompted them to try Korean food or become interested in it.
Saemaul Sikdang is considering bringing overseas operating ideas to South Korea, including possible new locations around Seoul’s Gangnam Station, though the plans are still under review.
Korean barbecue chains are expanding in the United States and Southeast Asia.
Saemaul Sikdang’s Carrollton, Texas, restaurant recorded average monthly sales about 70% higher in September than in its first year, 2023.
In Thailand, Saemaul Sikdang’s 14 restaurants had average monthly sales of about 100 million won per location last year.
Hanam Pig House opened a restaurant in Indonesia in March, bringing its overseas total to 20.
Interest in Korean food, boosted by Korean pop-culture content, is cited as one factor behind the expansion.
- Who
- Saemaul Sikdang and Hanam Pig House, Korean barbecue chains.
- What
- They are expanding their overseas restaurant networks, with sales growth reported at Saemaul Sikdang.
- When
- The article was published on October 23, 2026; it also cites sales and openings from 2023 through 2026.
- Where
- The United States, Thailand, Mongolia and Indonesia.
- Why
- The article points to rising interest in Korean food, including interest linked to Korean pop-culture content, and to market-specific operating strategies.
This story does not have two clearly opposing sides.
Saemaul Sikdang’s Carrollton, Texas, restaurant opened, marking the first year used for comparison with its later sales.
Saemaul Sikdang’s 14 restaurants in Thailand recorded average monthly sales of about 100 million won per location.
A survey of 11,000 consumers in 22 overseas cities found that 65.1% had tried Korean food or become interested in it after encountering Korean pop-culture content.
Hanam Pig House opened a restaurant in Serpong BSD, Indonesia, bringing its overseas total to 20.
Saemaul Sikdang’s Carrollton restaurant’s average monthly sales were about 70% higher than in its first year.
- Carrollton, Texas
- Average monthly sales rose about 70% from 2023 to September 2026
- Thailand
- 14 Saemaul Sikdang restaurants; average monthly sales of about 100 million won per location in 2025
- Indonesia
- Hanam Pig House opened its 20th overseas store in March
- Overseas Korean-food survey
- 11,000 consumers across 22 cities; 65.1% reported interest or trying Korean food after encountering Korean pop-culture content
What people are saying
The next task is to connect consumers who have tried Korean-style grilled meat overseas with visits to domestic restaurants when they come to Korea.
The menu and service operating experience gained locally will also help attract foreign customers in Korea.