McDonald's Korea has selected Chungju sweet corn from North Chungcheong Province as the sixth feature of its local sourcing project, 'Taste of Korea.' This year, the initiative expands beyond new menu items to include collaborations with Chungju's youth market for merchandise production and promotions linked to the hometown love donation program.
On July 8, McDonald's Korea held a press conference at its Itaewon location in Seoul, announcing the launch of the 'Chungju Sweet Corn Cheese Croquette Burger' and the McMorning menu item 'Chungju Sweet Corn Cheese Croquette Muffin' starting July 9 at locations nationwide.
The new menu items are inspired by the popular Korean dish corn cheese. The cheese croquette features the rich flavor and chewy texture of Chungju sweet corn, combined with mozzarella and Monterey Jack cheese, while the batter includes corn flour for added crispiness. A spicy cream parmesan sauce complements the 100% pure beef patty. The muffin, released alongside the burger, incorporates a white mayo sauce for a lighter, nuttier taste.
Upon tasting the 'Chungju Sweet Corn Cheese Croquette Burger,' the inviting aroma of corn was immediately noticeable upon unwrapping. A bite revealed a crispy croquette filled with stretching mozzarella cheese, followed by the distinct presence of large corn kernels. Unlike typical sweet corn, the chewy texture of the sweet corn was unique. The spicy and tangy sauce balanced the richness of the patty and cheese, ensuring a satisfying experience with corn in every bite.
According to McDonald's, the two new menu items received the most positive feedback in consumer surveys among the 'Taste of Korea' burger offerings, particularly regarding the rich ingredient composition of the croquette.
This year's featured Chungju sweet corn is a regional specialty known for its chewy texture, rich flavor, and subtle sweetness, attributed to the fertile soil and significant temperature variations in the area. McDonald's Korea has purchased approximately 25 tons of Chungju sweet corn to help secure new market opportunities for local farmers.
Baek Chang-ho, head of the menu development team, stated, "The most important aspect of developing this menu was ensuring a stable supply of high-quality ingredients. After reviewing several candidate regions, we determined that Chungju sweet corn, with its significant temperature differences, was the most suitable for achieving the desired taste and texture of this menu item."
Launched in 2021 with Changnyeong garlic, followed by Boseong green pork, Jindo green onion, Jinju pepper, and Iksan sweet potato, the 'Taste of Korea' project celebrates its fifth anniversary this year. To date, it has sold 30 million units and sourced over 1,000 tons of domestic ingredients. An analysis commissioned by McDonald's indicates that the project has generated approximately 61.7 billion won in social and economic value from 2021 to 2024, with the enhancement of local brand value accounting for about 56.7 billion won, alongside increased farmer income valued at 4.49 billion won and reduced agricultural waste costs of 460 million won.
McDonald's will continue its community support activities alongside the new menu launch. During the burger sales period, a QR code linking to the 'Chungju Hometown Love Donation Program' will be included on trays in all stores to encourage donations. Donors contributing over 100,000 won will receive a set of McDonald's burger coupons along with Chungju specialty products as a thank-you gift.
In Chungju, a commercial revitalization program will also be implemented. Collaborating with merchants in the youth market of the old city center, a pop-up store themed 'Summer in Gwanagol' will operate for about five weeks starting July 9, coinciding with the new menu launch. The pop-up will showcase local goods created by youth creators inspired by McDonald's and Chungju sweet corn, along with various experiential programs and events.
Shim Na-ri, Executive Director of Public Relations and External Cooperation at McDonald's, remarked, "The 'Taste of Korea' project has evolved into a model of coexistence that addresses community issues beyond just menu launches. We will continue to discover excellent local ingredients and hidden stories from across the country to grow together with local communities."
The new menu will be available starting July 9, with the muffin available from 4:30 a.m. and the burger from 10:30 a.m. Prices are set at 7,900 won for the burger alone and 9,400 won for the set (8,500 won for McLunch), and 5,200 won for the muffin alone and 6,400 won for the set.
* This article has been translated by AI.
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