Rainy Opening Day in South Korea: Five Guys Burgers Debuts in Gangnam Amidst 'Open Run' Excitement

One of the three famous American burgers, "Five Guys," attracted attention as the first branch in Gangnam was about to open. Thirty minutes before the opening, a long line was spotted outside the restaurant, stretching from Exit 7 of Sinnonhyeon Station. Curious about the extent of the line for just one burger, I followed it and found that it extended past the neighboring "Lush" store, passed by "Kakao Friends," and even reached "Olive Young" at the corner. The line wrapped around the Olive Young building, formed an "N" shape, and continued to encircle the building along the elongated base of a "ㄷ" shape. At the end of the line, there was a parked police car with security personnel stationed nearby.

Due to the presence of the waiting line, journalists, and pedestrians marveling at its length, the road became congested. A yogurt lady had to make multiple stops with her electric cart to navigate through the crowd. Meanwhile, Five Guys headquarters staff members were capturing the moment by recording videos with their phones or taking selfies with the long line as their backdrop.

Thirty minutes remained until the opening at 10:30 AM on the 26th. When a reporter inquired about the wait time from the end of the line to entering the restaurant, Hugo Dupestin, who had been dispatched from the Amsterdam branch in the Netherlands to prepare for the Korean opening, stated, "It takes about 8 minutes to make one burger, and we have approximately 150 seats available." He added, "We have prepared enough burgers today for the hundreds and thousands of visitors." However, it was unclear how long it would take to reach the entrance.

As the opening approached, the line seemed to exceed at least 400 to 500 people. At Five Guys, even customizing the burger toppings, french fry sizes, and milkshake choices can take around 2 to 3 minutes. Assuming it takes a minimum of 10 minutes for one person to place an order and receive their food, with 40 minutes for dining and an additional 10 minutes for table cleaning and preparation, it would take about an hour for 150 people to complete their meals. With an estimated 500 people waiting in line that day, it would take approximately "Five Hours" to eat a single Five Guys hamburger.

Two college students at the start of the line revealed that they had been waiting since 8:40 AM that morning to enter Five Guys. Kim, a college student residing in Seoul's Gwanak-gu, shared, "I learned about the opening of Five Guys through YouTube and influencers. I've tried it once in the United States, but my friend hasn't, so we came together. Although the price is a bit high, we plan to enjoy the experience and share pictures on social media."

The grand opening event of Five Guys in Gangnam attracted notable figures, including Kim Dong-seon, the head of Hanwha Galleria's strategic division, as well as representatives from Five Guys headquarters and the U.S. Embassy in Korea.

Five Guys is renowned as one of the top burger chains in the United States. Their burgers are known for their quality ingredients, customizable options, and generous portions. When you order a Five Guys burger, you can expect a juicy and flavorful patty made from 100% fresh ground beef. The burgers are cooked to perfection, offering a delicious combination of charred exterior and succulent interior.

One of the standout features of Five Guys is their extensive list of toppings. You have the freedom to personalize your burger by choosing from a wide range of options, including various cheeses, crispy bacon, sautéed mushrooms, grilled onions, fresh lettuce, ripe tomatoes, tangy pickles, and zesty sauces. These toppings allow you to create a burger that suits your taste preferences and cravings.

In addition to their mouthwatering burgers, Five Guys is also known for their hand-cut fries. The fries are made from high-quality potatoes, and they are cooked in pure, peanut oil to achieve a perfect golden crispness. The fries are generously portioned, ensuring that you won't run out of delicious sides to accompany your burger.

The overall dining experience at Five Guys is characterized by a casual and laid-back atmosphere. The focus is on serving top-notch burgers with no-frills, allowing the quality of the food to speak for itself. The staff members are friendly and efficient, ensuring that your order is prepared promptly and accurately.

Whether you're a burger enthusiast or simply looking for a satisfying and indulgent meal, Five Guys is a go-to destination. With their commitment to using fresh ingredients and providing customizable options, Five Guys continues to win the hearts and taste buds of burger lovers worldwide.