South Korea is Tim Horton’s fifth market in East Asia after China, Thailand, the Philippines and Singapore | Photo credit: Erik Mclean

Canadian coffee chain Tim Hortons has opened its first store in South Korea at Sinnonhyeon Station in the Gangnam district of Seoul. 
 

Rafael Odorizzi, President of Restaurant Brands International (RBI)'s Asia-Pacific region, said Tim Hortons will open 150 outlets in South Korea within five years. Its second outlet will open near Seolleung Station in Seoul before the end of the year. 

“Korea holds significant cultural influence worldwide, and its dynamic nature makes it the most competitive, progressive, and lively coffee market,” Odorizzi said. 

With more than 31,100 stores, South Korea is the second largest branded coffee shop market in East Asia, behind China’s 49,700 outlets, World Coffee Portal data shows.  

The South Korean market is primarily comprised of domestic brands, led by Ediya Coffee and Paris Baguette with 3,800 and 3,750 outlets respectively. Tim Hortons joins fellow North American brands Starbucks, Dunkin’ and Blue Bottle Coffee in the market. 

Tim Hortons is operated in South Korea by RBI’s existing master franchisor for Burger King in South Korea, BKR Co. Ltd. 

Ontario-based Tim Hortons currently operates more than 5,700 stores across 17 markets globally – 68% of which are in Canada.  

South Korea is the coffee chain’s fifth market in East Asia, following China, Thailand, the Philippines and Singapore – where it debuted at the VivoCity shopping centre in November 2023.