Hanok Village Bibimbap & Sotbap, a Korean dining brand originating in Jeonju, is the flagship brand of Pungnyeon FC Co., Ltd., carrying forward a 50-year culinary heritage across two generations. This year, the brand was named among the recipients of the “2025 National Brand Awards,” hosted by Kookmin Ilbo, in recognition of its brand value and level of consumer trust.

By developing its traditional gochujang into a plant-based, soy-protein-based formulation, the brand has preserved the core characteristics of traditional Korean cuisine while responding to evolving health and ethical consumption trends, as well as changing food standards. Industry observers note that this balance between tradition and modern compliance has contributed to the brand’s growing credibility among prospective franchise operators.

One of the factors drawing attention from potential store owners is the brand’s emphasis on site strategy and operational stability. Rather than prioritizing expansion in conventional high-risk retail areas, Hanok Village Bibimbap & Sotbap has focused on operating stores in public institutions, major retail facilities, and department stores—locations recognized for consistent foot traffic and structured operating environments. This approach is widely viewed as supporting more predictable performance in a volatile foodservice market.

The brand’s operational framework extends beyond basic recipe standardization. It has implemented an integrated management structure linking ingredient specifications, kitchen workflow, packaging formats, and distribution units. Detailed controls over namul portion ratios, sauce formulations, and grain measurement standards are designed to prevent variations in staff experience from translating into inconsistencies in product quality or service speed, enabling new operators to establish stable operations within a relatively short period.

In 2025, the company launched an IQF frozen bibimbap made with Korean-grown rice and began exports to Canada, marking a step toward gradual global market expansion. Industry analysts point to this as a structural approach that builds on domestic operational stability and quality management while advancing both product exports and brand development overseas.

A representative of Pungnyeon FC Co., Ltd. commented on the award, stating, “The brand would not have reached this point without the dedication and daily efforts of our franchise partners across the country. This recognition reflects the trust they have built with customers at the store level. Going forward, we remain committed to working alongside our partners and ensuring that their on-site feedback is meaningfully reflected in our operational support and management policies.”