Local retailers deny In-N-Out Korea expansion rumors

An In-N-Out sign installed at a pop-up store in Gangnam District, southern Seoul, on May 31. [NEWS1]

Korean retailers Thursday denied a report saying that they are in talks with In-N-Out Burger to bring the popular fast-food joint to Korea.

The speculation emerged following a local media report claiming that In-N-Out's management team recently paid a visit to Korea. They reportedly held discussions with Korean retailers, notably Lotte Department Store, to discuss In-N-Out's entry into the country during the visit.

However, Lotte Department Store denied the report.

"The report is not true. We have not met with In-N-Out officials," a Lotte official told the Korea JoongAng Daily on Thursday.

Similarly, Hyundai Department Store and Shinsegae Department Store — considered the two other major retail brands alongside Lotte — also declined to confirm the report.

In-N-Out Burger, a California-based burger brand, has operated a pop-up store in Seoul four times, in 2012, 2015, 2019, and this year. Each operation drew hundreds of people, with the menu items selling out. This has led to speculation about In-N-Out's long-term plans for the Korean market.

The company registered its trademark rights in Korea in 2012. The Korean Intellectual Property Office stipulates that if a registered trademark remains unused for more than three years, it is subject to cancellation. Given In-N-Out's consistent operation of pop-up stores, it is believed that this strategy is aimed at maintaining their trademark rights while potentially considering an expansion into the Korean market.

Domestic retailers are actively pursuing opportunities to introduce popular global burger brands to the local market.

Hyundai Department Store opened the first branch of Gordon Ramsay Street Burger, a casual burger brand created by renowned British chef Gordon Ramsay, in 2020 at their Trade Center Branch.

Hanwha Galleria obtained the business rights for Five Guys, regarded as one of the top three burger chains in the United States, and is set to open its first branch in Gangnam next Monday.

SPC introduced Shake Shack, another American burger chain, in 2016.

BY SEO JI-EUN [seo.jieun1@joongang.co.kr]