Chipotle Mexican Grill is finally heading to South Korea. The California-born fast-casual chain announced plans to open its very first Seoul location in the first half of 2026, a long-awaited move that could mark the beginning of a serious push into Asia.
The expansion comes through a partnership with SPC Group, one of South Korea’s biggest food conglomerates and a name already familiar to locals through its bakery, café, and restaurant businesses. For Chipotle, teaming up with SPC means instant access to deep market know-how, supply chains, and real estate savvy—critical factors in a country with one of the most competitive dining scenes on the planet.
Seoul isn’t just any test market. South Korea’s capital is a hotbed of digital-first, trend-sensitive consumers who adopt new food concepts fast and broadcast them across Asia through social media. For Chipotle, that makes Seoul a strategic launchpad, not just another international outpost.
Since opening its first restaurant in 1993, Chipotle has built a reputation on burritos, tacos, and bowls made with organic ingredients and a promise of transparency—an approach that has earned it cult-like loyalty in the U.S. Its “build-your-own” model has proved wildly scalable, driving efficiency and repeat visits. Now the brand is betting that this same formula, with a Korean twist, can win over a whole new audience halfway across the world.
If Seoul embraces Chipotle the way America has, this could be the start of a much bigger Asian footprint for the chain.
