“I Missed Korean Fried Chicken” — NVIDIA CEO Jensen Huang Sparks Global Interest in K-Food
While visiting South Korea, NVIDIA CEO Jensen Huang unexpectedly became one of the biggest promoters of Korean food culture. His dining schedule quickly drew attention from both local and international audiences, featuring some of Korea’s most iconic dishes, including Korean fried chicken, samgyeopsal (grilled pork belly), somaek (a mix of soju and beer), and traditional samgyetang (ginseng chicken soup).
What began as a business trip soon turned into a showcase of authentic Korean dining experiences, highlighting how food has become one of the strongest drivers of Korea’s global cultural influence.
Korean BBQ and Somaek with Business Leaders
On June 5, Huang met with several of South Korea’s top business leaders at a popular restaurant in Seoul’s Hongdae district. The gathering reportedly included grilled pork belly and Korea’s famous somaek culture.
Popular Korean alcoholic beverages such as Terra beer, Chamisul soju, and Cass beer were served during the dinner. Photos and videos of executives grilling meat and mixing somaek quickly spread online, introducing Korean dining traditions to global audiences.
Industry observers noted that the event was significant not because of any single product, but because it showcased the social experience that defines Korean food culture.
From Business Meeting to Chicken and Beer
Following the dinner, Huang and his group moved to a BBQ Chicken restaurant near Hongik University for a second round of dining.
Before arriving in Korea, Huang reportedly told reporters that he had missed Korean fried chicken. His visit quickly became a hot topic in the food industry, particularly because Korean-style fried chicken has become one of the most successful K-food exports worldwide.
The group reportedly enjoyed BBQ’s signature Golden Olive Chicken along with beer and soft drinks. The visit generated excitement among Korean food brands and fans alike, with many seeing it as another example of Korean fried chicken’s growing global appeal.
A Family Visit to Korea’s Famous Samgyetang Restaurant
The food tour continued the next day when Huang visited a well-known samgyetang restaurant in Seoul with his family.
According to reports, the group ordered samgyetang, whole chicken dishes, Korean pancakes, and ginseng liquor. Huang was said to be impressed by both the flavors and the traditional Korean hanok atmosphere of the restaurant.
The visit further reinforced the growing international curiosity surrounding Korean cuisine beyond K-pop and K-dramas.
K-Food Is Becoming an Experience, Not Just a Product
Food industry experts believe Huang’s visit reflects a larger shift in how K-food is gaining international attention.
In previous years, individual products such as instant noodles, seaweed snacks, and frozen kimbap often dominated headlines. Today, however, global audiences are becoming interested in the entire Korean dining experience—from grilling samgyeopsal and sharing somaek to enjoying late-night chicken and beer before finishing with a comforting bowl of samgyetang.
This lifestyle-driven approach aligns closely with the broader success of Korean culture worldwide.
Why Jensen Huang’s Love for Chicken Matters
Interestingly, chicken has become a recurring theme during Huang’s visits to Korea. Last year, his famous fried chicken gathering with Korean business leaders attracted widespread media attention. This year, his itinerary once again included multiple chicken-based meals, from Korean fried chicken to traditional ginseng chicken soup.
As images of one of the world’s most influential technology leaders enjoying Korean food continue to circulate online, many in the food industry believe the publicity value is impossible to calculate.
For global fans curious about Korean culture, Jensen Huang’s dining tour may be one of the most authentic introductions to K-food yet.
KOREA FBI Editor’s Comment
K-pop may have introduced millions of people to Korea, but food is increasingly becoming the next major gateway into Korean culture. Jensen Huang’s highly publicized meals demonstrate how K-food is evolving from a trend into a complete cultural experience. Whether it is crispy Korean fried chicken, sizzling samgyeopsal, or nourishing samgyetang, Korea’s culinary identity continues to win fans around the world—one meal at a time.
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