Italian Embassy, Kyochon Chicken ink MOU for Italian-style menu

Italian Ambassador to Korea Emilia Gatto, right, poses with Kyochon Chicken Chairman Kwon Won-gang at the Italian Embassy in Seoul, Monday. Courtesy of Embassy of Italy in Seoul

Kyochon Chicken, one of Korea’s leading restaurant franchises, signed a memorandum of understanding with the Italian Embassy in Korea to foster mutual cooperation the Italian embassy said Thursday.

The agreement, signed Monday, is designed to promote culinary exchange between Korea and Italy, support Kyochon’s global menu development and further the internationalization of Korea’s restaurant industry. Under the collaboration, Kyochon is launching a new premium menu, Kyochon Italia, incorporating authentic Italian ingredients such as balsamic vinegar, Parmigiano Reggiano and in-oil condiments. The menu will be officially introduced on June 2 as part of Italy’s National Day celebration.

The Italian Embassy’s event is expected to draw more than 1,000 influential figures from politics, business and culture. Kyochon’s participation marks a rare occasion where a restaurant brand has been given an official platform to debut its offerings at a diplomatic event.

In a clear indication of strengthening relationships, Kyochon Chairman Kwon Won-gang has been invited by the Italian Embassy to attend Tuttofood 2025, an international food exhibition in Milan this May. As a representative of Korea's restaurant industry, Kwon will showcase Kyochon's role in fostering global culinary exchange.

“This partnership serves as a model for Korean fried chicken’s entry into the global gourmet market,” a Kyochon representative said. “We are confident that this collaboration will offer consumers a new and exciting dining experience.”