KFC Korea raises prices on 23 items amid weaker won and higher costs

KFC Korea has raised prices on 23 menu items, including an increase of 300 won for Original Chicken. The changes, covering chicken and burger products, were announced on the 13th.

The company cited unfavorable exchange-rate conditions, higher raw-material costs, and rising operating expenses as the main reasons for the price adjustments.

KFC Korea previously adjusted prices in April of last year, including a 300-won hike for Original Chicken, indicating ongoing cost pressures affecting the chain.

Last year, KFC Korea reported record results, with revenue rising 29.3 percent from the previous year to 3,780 billion won and operating profit up about 1.5 times to 247 billion won, marking two consecutive years of record highs.

The trend toward price increases is not limited to KFC; other major burger brands in Korea, including Burger King, McDonald’s, and Mom’s Touch, have also raised menu prices in recent months, signaling broad inflationary pressures in the fast-food sector.

For U.S. readers, the development matters because KFC Korea is part of Yum! Brands’ global portfolio, and price moves in Korea can affect global profitability and supply chains tied to East Asia. The move also reflects how currency and input costs are influencing pricing strategies for multinational fast-food operators in a key regional market. Korea remains a significant consumer market with a highly connected supply chain that can impact global menus, franchise economics, and investor sentiment.