"Hanok Village Bibimbap & Sotbap" Signs MOU with Vancouver, Embarking on Global Expansion
Bringing Traditional Korean Flavors to the Global Market

Pungnyeon FC, the traditional Korean bibimbap brand operating over 60 directly managed and franchised locations in Korea under the name "Hanok Village Bibimbap & Sotbap," is preparing to take its first step into the North American market with the upcoming opening of its first overseas location in Glenview, Chicago, in February 2025.

Furthermore, on November 7, the company signed a strategic Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with the Vancouver chapter of the World-OKTA (World Federation of Overseas Korean Traders Associations), solidifying its commitment to globalizing K-FOOD. Through this collaboration, Pungnyeon FC plans to enter the Canadian market and establish a Vancouver branch, aiming to open a store in Vancouver in the second half of 2025 as part of its international expansion strategy.

"Hanok Village Bibimbap & Sotbap" traces its roots back to a small restaurant in Jeonju in 1976, founded by the mother of the current CEO, Hyun-ki Kim, and has since carried on the tradition of authentic Korean flavors. The brand's signature dishes include Jeonju bibimbap and bean sprout soup, prepared with a secret recipe for gochujang (red pepper paste) and broth that has been passed down for over 40 years. Since 2023, the company has been using a plant-based gochujang made with soy meat in all its stores across Korea, and it plans to incorporate this vegan-friendly gochujang in its bibimbap for the international market as well.

In addition, Pungnyeon FC has launched a secondary brand, Baeksang Soondubu, specializing in soft tofu dishes, which it intends to introduce in international markets alongside its primary brand, providing more diverse options.

The company is also preparing to launch frozen bibimbap featuring its plant-based gochujang in December. This product will not only be available in Korea but will also be introduced in international markets alongside store openings, targeting Korean grocery stores and major global retailers.

Beyond North America, the company has been receiving inquiries from various international markets, including Portugal, Hong Kong, Singapore, and Indonesia, reflecting the growing global demand for K-FOOD. As a result, Korean franchise brands are playing a significant role in expanding the global presence of bibimbap and Korean cuisine.