Saenuri Park, Administrator of K-FOOD Romania: “We want each store to become a gateway to Korean culture.”

Interview with Saenuri Park, Administrator of K-FOOD Romania, about network expansion, Korean culture, and the new store in Pitești.

On July 4th, K-FOOD Romania – the leading chain of Korean food stores in the country – will open a new location in downtown Pitești, at 28 Victoriei Street.
This event marks not only the physical expansion of the brand but also its commitment to bringing Korean culture closer to the Romanian public.

The new store offers a complete experience: in addition to authentic Korean products, visitors will discover a modern ramen bar inspired by K-dramas and an outdoor terrace designed for socializing and relaxing with Asian snacks and beverages. The grand opening will be celebrated with special promotions, free products, and surprise gifts.

“The Korean Wave is increasingly present in Romania – people are passionate not only about music and series but also about cuisine. Through the new location, we want to offer them not just food, but a window into the culture they love,” says Saenuri Park, Administrator of K-FOOD Romania.

The K-FOOD network already includes locations in Bucharest, Ploiești, and Craiova, and the opening in Pitești confirms the growing interest in this culture. The brand goes beyond the commercial sphere: it has actively participated in promoting Asian culture, including its presence at Bookfest, where it supported a dedicated corner for Asian literature enthusiasts.

K-FOOD is not just a store, but a bridge between communities. Each location becomes a space for meeting, discovery, and cultural connection. Pitești is the next step in this mission to turn shopping into a memorable experience – a true journey into the authentic Korean spirit.

To better understand the vision behind this new step and the story behind K-FOOD Romania, Careers & Business Magazine sat down with Saenuri Park, the brand’s administrator and one of the key voices in promoting Korean culture in Romania.

C&B: What inspired the decision to open a new store in Pitești?
Saenuri Park: We’ve seen an extraordinary interest in Korean culture across the country. Pitești has a vibrant and curious community, and we felt that this was the right time to bring the K-FOOD experience here. It’s not just a store – it’s a place where culture, community, and cuisine come together.

C&B: What can customers expect from the new store?
Saenuri Park: In addition to essential Korean products – like kimchi, gochujang, and instant noodles – we’re introducing a ramen bar and an outdoor terrace. It’s about offering a full sensory experience. And of course, we’ll have special promotions and surprises on the opening day.

C&B: How do you see K-FOOD Romania evolving in the coming years?
Saenuri Park: Our mission is to bring Korean culture closer to Romanian homes. We aim to continue expanding into new cities, organizing cultural events, and offering more than just food – we want to provide a window into Korea’s modern lifestyle and traditions.

Strategic Support from Korea: The Role of the aT Center in Promoting K-Food in Europe
The opening of the K-FOOD store in Pitești received significant support from the aT Center Frankfurt, a branch of the Korea Agro-Fisheries & Food Trade Corporation (aT). The newly launched K-FOOD store was created as a hub for expanding Korean food exports to the emerging Eastern European market, with backing from aT Frankfurt. As part of a broader initiative to promote Korean cuisine in Europe, the aT Center views Romania as a key market in the region.

“This K-FOOD store is truly special, being the first store specialized in Korean products in Pitești, Romania,” said Lim Hee-young, Director of aT Frankfurt.
“We will do our utmost to open new markets so that Korean food becomes more accessible not only in Romania but throughout Eastern Europe.”

aT (Korea Agro-Fisheries & Food Trade Corporation) has accelerated its efforts to expand exports to Europe by opening a new branch in Frankfurt, Germany, in 2024, as part of its active initiative to promote K-Food in the European market.