Learn Korean: Korean Style Goes Global

Korean Reading Practice

[세계가 찾는 K]① ‘한국식’이 통한다… 편의점·백화점, 해외 일상 속으로

📅 January 01, 2026

1Introduction

This reading explores how Korean-style convenience stores and department stores are successfully expanding overseas by maintaining their unique Korean identity rather than adapting to local markets. The text examines how "K-culture" has become a global competitive advantage, with Korean businesses finding success by offering authentic Korean experiences to international consumers.

2Vocabulary

Korean Romanization Meaning Example
진출 jinchul expansion, advance into 한국 기업들이 해외 시장에 진출하고 있다.Korean companies are expanding into overseas markets.
현지화 hyeonjihwa localization 과거에는 현지화가 필수였다.In the past, localization was essential.
고유한 goyuhan unique, distinctive 한국만의 고유한 문화가 인기다.Korea's unique culture is popular.
감성 gamseong sentiment, emotion 한국적 감성이 세계인의 마음을 움직인다.Korean sentiment moves people worldwide.
표준 pyojun standard K-스타일이 새로운 표준이 되었다.K-style has become a new standard.
경쟁력 gyeongjaengnyeok competitiveness 한국 브랜드의 경쟁력이 높아졌다.Korean brands' competitiveness has increased.
약진 yakjin rapid progress, leap forward 편의점 업계가 해외에서 약진하고 있다.The convenience store industry is making rapid progress overseas.
개점 gaejeom opening (of a store) 새로운 매장이 개점했다.A new store has opened.
플랫폼 peullaetpom platform 온라인 쇼핑 플랫폼이 성장했다.Online shopping platforms have grown.
런칭 reonching launching 새로운 서비스를 런칭했다.They launched a new service.
가시적 gasijeoK visible, tangible 가시적인 성과를 얻었다.They achieved visible results.
선호 seonho preference 한국 음식에 대한 선호가 증가했다.Preference for Korean food has increased.

3Reading Text

과거 한국 기업들의 해외 진출에서는 현지화가 가장 중요한 전략으로 여겨졌다.

In the past, localization was considered the most important strategy for Korean companies' overseas expansion.

하지만 이제는 한국만의 고유한 방식과 감성이 오히려 글로벌 시장에서 새로운 표준으로 인정받고 있다.

However, now Korea's unique methods and sensibilities are being recognized as new standards in the global market.

편의점 업계가 대표적인 사례로, K-푸드와 K-라이프스타일로 무장한 한국 편의점들이 해외에서 큰 성공을 거두고 있다.

The convenience store industry is a representative example, with Korean convenience stores armed with K-food and K-lifestyle achieving great success overseas.

2024년 카자흐스탄에 진출한 CU는 벌써 50개의 매장을 개점하며 놀라운 성장세를 보이고 있다.

CU, which entered Kazakhstan in 2024, has already opened 50 stores, showing remarkable growth.

백화점 업계에서도 비슷한 변화가 나타나고 있다.

Similar changes are appearing in the department store industry as well.

2023년 5월 신세계백화점은 한국 패션 디자이너 브랜드의 글로벌 진출을 위한 'K패션82' 플랫폼런칭했다.

In May 2023, Shinsegae Department Store launched the 'K-Fashion 82' platform for the global expansion of Korean fashion designer brands.

플랫폼은 출시 이후 가시적인 성과를 내며 한국 패션의 세계적 경쟁력을 입증했다.

This platform has shown visible results since its launch, proving the global competitiveness of Korean fashion.

BGF리테일 관계자는 "한국 여행 경험이 있는 외국인이 늘어나고 한국 음식에 대한 선호층이 확대되면서 이런 변화가 생겼다"고 분석했다.

A BGF Retail official analyzed, "This change occurred as the number of foreigners with Korean travel experience increased and the preference base for Korean food expanded."

4Comprehension Questions

Q1 What was considered the most important strategy for Korean companies' overseas expansion in the past?
Q2 How many CU stores opened in Kazakhstan in 2024?
Q3 What platform did Shinsegae Department Store launch in May 2023?
Q4 According to the BGF Retail official, what factors contributed to the success of Korean businesses overseas?
Q5 How has the approach to international business expansion changed for Korean companies?

5Cultural Notes

The success of Korean businesses overseas reflects the broader "Hallyu" or Korean Wave phenomenon that has made Korean culture globally popular through K-pop, K-dramas, and Korean cuisine. This cultural influence has created international demand for authentic Korean experiences, allowing Korean companies to succeed without extensive localization. The shift represents a significant change from traditional business wisdom that emphasized adapting to local markets, showing how cultural soft power can become a competitive business advantage.

Source: Naver News | Original Article

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