KOREA
Frank Burger

Frank Burger (Photo courtesy of haps Magazine Korea)

When I first heard about Frank Burger, I didn’t think much of it. Korea has no shortage of burger chains, and most of them promise “handmade,” “premium,” or “authentic” without really living up to it.

But Frank Burger surprised me, not because it’s trying to be flashy or overcomplicated, but because it feels like someone actually cared about how a burger should taste.

The first thing that stands out is how fresh everything feels. The buns are soft and buttery, the kind you can tell were baked recently, and the patties taste properly seasoned, not too salty, not too greasy.

They use 100% Korean beef for most of their core burgers, and it shows in the flavor.

My favorite was the Bacon Cheese Burger, which costs around 6,700 won. It’s thick, juicy, and balanced perfectly between smoky bacon and melted cheese. The basic Frank Burger, their standard version at around 4,300 won, is surprisingly solid too, the kind of burger that doesn’t try too hard, just gets everything right.

The menu is actually bigger than I expected. There’s a Shrimp Burger for 5,300 won, a Cheese Burger at 5,300 won, and a JG Burger, their premium option, for about 9,200 won solo or 12,900 won as a set with fries and a drink.

Sides like cheese fries (3,700 won) and regular fries (2,200 won) round things out nicely.

For a fast-casual burger joint, the prices are really fair. You can have a full meal for under 10,000 won and still feel satisfied.

Taste-wise, it’s not the heavy, greasy kind of burger you might expect from big American chains.

It’s lighter, cleaner, and has that Korean sensibility of less oil, more balance, but still plenty of flavor.

The cheese melts properly, the lettuce is crisp, and the sauce has this slightly sweet note that makes the whole thing come together. It’s not going to rival a gourmet burger bar, but it doesn’t need to. It’s honest, straightforward, and surprisingly addictive.

Frank Burger store exterior

Frank Burger store (Photo courtesy of haps Magazine Korea)

Frank Burger has exploded in popularity recently, with more than 650 branches across Korea and several in big cities like Busan, Seoul, and Gyeongnam.

It’s become a local favorite partly because it feels dependable, no matter which branch you visit, the taste and quality don’t seem to change much.

If you’re in Korea and want to try something that locals actually eat, skip the usual fast-food chains and find a Frank Burger near you.

It’s affordable, it’s consistent, and it hits that perfect middle ground between homemade and fast food.

It’s not trying to impress, it’s just trying to feed you well. And that’s exactly what makes it worth coming back to.

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