The Korean fried-chicken chain Bonchon was founded in 2002.
Bonchon was established in South Korea and became known internationally for Korean-style fried chicken. Its name comes from Korean words meaning “hometown,” reflecting the brand’s connection to Korean food culture as it expanded abroad.
The chain’s chicken is commonly associated with a crisp coating and sauces brushed or tossed onto the pieces. Bonchon helped introduce Korean fried-chicken restaurant formats to customers in countries where the style was less familiar, especially through expansion in the United States and Asia.
Bonchon should not be confused with the general invention of Korean fried chicken. Korean fried-chicken traditions developed over decades through many restaurants and cooking styles. The 2002 date identifies the founding of this particular chain, not the beginning of fried chicken in Korea.