Korean restaurants increasingly common and popular in Sweden

In recent years, Stockholm has seen the opening of several new Korean restaurants. We had the pleasure of interviewing Hyungwoo Kim, who runs the popular restaurant Monster Chicken, with locations in Östermalm and Södermalm, as well as the newly opened restaurant Nopo 1988 near KTH.

To start, can you tell us more about yourself?

I’m Hyungwoo Kim, co-founder of "Monster Chicken" in Sweden and operator of the Korean restaurant "Nopo 1988," which opened in October. To simplify for my Swedish friends, I also go by Kim. I see myself not just as a CEO but as a business strategist focused on market research and exploring untapped opportunities.

Could you briefly tell us about your background? In particular, we are curious about what sparked your interest in starting a culinary business focused on Korean cuisine.

I hold a degree in International Trade from Korea and a Master's in International Politics from Peking University. My career began with research on Korea-China economic relations at a consulate, followed by international business roles, including at Samsung Electronics, where I gained insight into cross-cultural business operations.

My passion for launching a Korean culinary business grew from the global rise of Korea’s cultural brand. I aimed to share the unique flavors of Korean cuisine with Europe, especially Sweden. Chicken and beer, iconic staples of Korean culture, became the foundation for this endeavor. This vision led to the creation of "Monster Chicken," a space that not only introduces the taste of Korea but also harmoniously adapts to local preferences, fostering genuine connections with the people of Stockholm.

What inspired you to start Monster Chicken, focusing on Korean-style chicken and beer? How have customers in Stockholm responded?

Monster Chicken was inspired by the cultural significance of chicken and beer in Korea as a beloved "soul food" that brings people together. I wanted to introduce this unique culture to Stockholm, where such a style is rare. The response has been overwhelmingly positive, with locals loving the distinctive seasoning, crispy texture, and bold Korean flavors. Many have shared how it evokes memories of trips to Korea. This journey has been deeply rewarding, allowing us to share not just food but Korean culture. We look forward to connecting more people in Stockholm with the charm of Korean cuisine.

Food at Monster Chicken

What challenges and insights led you to open Nopo 1988 near Valhallavägen KTH?

Opening Nopo 1988 near KTH was driven by the area’s dynamic, trend-savvy audience seeking new experiences. Unlike Monster Chicken, Nopo 1988 highlights the charm of Korean street food, reinterpreted with a modern twist. Our goal is to introduce the nostalgic warmth of Korea’s "nopo" (old shops) and its rich flavors to Swedish customers, creating a fresh and appealing dining experience. We aim to continue innovating Korean cuisine, blending tradition with modernity to connect with Stockholm’s diverse audience.

Korean street food is gaining global popularity. Can customers experience unique flavors or dishes at Nopo 1988 compared to Monster Chicken?

At Nopo 1988, customers can enjoy traditional Korean street food reinterpreted with a modern touch, offering a distinct experience from Monster Chicken. Korean street food reflects everyday life and emotions, resonating with global audiences. Signature dishes include Kimchi fried rice, Bulgogi, and Jjajangmyeon, alongside convenient, flavorful snacks inspired by street food. These offerings have received enthusiastic responses from Swedish customers, making Nopo 1988 a space to explore both unique flavors and cultural experiences.

Food at Nopo 1988

What has been the most rewarding part of introducing Korean food culture in Stockholm? How do you see the future of Korean cuisine in Sweden?

The most rewarding part is seeing local customers connect with and appreciate Korean culture through food. Korean cuisine aligns well with Sweden’s wellness trends, featuring healthy ingredients and fermented dishes that appeal to Swedish tastes. I aim to continue providing unique experiences, broadening the understanding of Korean culture in Sweden, and developing diverse dishes with localized strategies to ensure the sustained growth of Korean cuisine.

We at Sweden Herald thank Mr. Kim for the interview and wish his restaurants success in the future. Here are the addresses to the restaurants if you want to try authentic Korean-style fried chicken and beer or Korean fast food: