McDonald’s burger upgrade starts in Korean market

McDonald’s Korea became the first in Asia to offer upgraded burgers under a global initiative.

The “Best Burger” initiative, headed by McDonald’s global headquarters, is about implementing change in the entire burger-making process.

This includes glaze-coated buns, beef patties cooked with onions, instead of just on top, increasing the time to grill cheese once it’s on the burger and adding 50 percent more Big Mac sauce on the Big Mac.

The U.S. franchise’s Korean office had been preparing for the transition since late 2018, and has implemented the new system at 400 branches nationwide as of March 26. The process required a fundamental upgrading of the ingredients, cooking utensils and equipment and significant training.

The upgrade of buns and fresher vegetables are being used for all McDonald’s burgers, but the change is most notable in its best selling Big Mac, cheeseburger and quarter pounder with cheese, the company said.

By Song Kyoung-son