CU is a South Korean convenience store chain owned and operated by BGF Retail. It was formed after FamilyMart's franchise license in South Korea expired.[2] As of 2025, the chain has more than 18,000 stores across South Korea and 680 stores in other parts of Asia. The first store in the U.S. opened in Hawaii in November 2025.
History
In 1990, the Bogwang Group formed a license contract with FamilyMart to launch convenience stores under the FamilyMart brand in South Korea.[3] The first FamilyMart in South Korea opened in October 1990.[4] On December 1, 1994, the Bogwang Group established a separate corporation; Bogwang FamilyMart (now the BGF Group) to oversee its convenience store operations division.[5] The chain enjoyed steady growth, reaching 2,000 stores in 2003 and 5,000 stores by 2010.[6]