Canada’s most famous coffee and donut chain, Tim Hortons, announced it will begin opening locations across South Korea.
The first location opened in Seoul Dec. 14, with a second store near Seolleung Station in Seoul opening Dec. 28.
The coffee chain said it has plans to open around 150 more locations by the end of 2028.
“South Korea is one of the world’s largest and fastest growing coffee markets and we’re excited to be introducing South Korean Tims guests to some Tim Hortons classics — along with some unique local menu items,” a spokesperson for Tim Hortons told the Toronto Star.
One change from the Canadian business model is that the prices at the Korean locations are expected to be significantly higher than those in Canada.
For example, an Original Iced Capp will run customers in Korea about 5100 won, according to Business Korea, a financial magazine, equivalent to $5.26 Canadian. That beverage is on the menu in Canada for $3.59.
Tim Hortons said the changes in price are to compete with Korea’s domestic market, which is already saturated with coffee specialty shops, especially Starbucks.
Tim Hortons is part of the RBI group, which includes other fast food franchises like Burger King and Popeyes.
Currently, there are about 5,700 Tim Hortons locations in 17 countries.
The new location in Seoul will mark its seventh country in the Asian market, following locations being opened in China, Thailand, Pakistan, India, Singapore and the Philippines.
