China’s Heytea makes South Korea debut with Seoul store

Heytea’s store in the Apgujeong ward of Seoul’s Gangnam district | Photo credit: Heytea

Chinese tea chain Heytea has made further inroads into the Asia-Pacific market after opening its first store in Seoul, South Korea. 
 

The 860sq ft outlet is located in the Apgujeong ward of Seoul’s Gangnam District, considered to be one of wealthiest neighbourhoods in the capital and a hub for the city’s fashion and culture industries.  
Heytea said the ‘Instagram-worthy’ store will appeal to South Korean consumers seeking healthier, higher-quality tea drinks than are currently on the market. 

Beverage prices at the Seoul outlet range from KRW 3,900 ($2.92) to KRW 7,400 ($5.55), with Very Grape Cheese, Mango Grapefruit Sago, Roasted Brown Bobo Milk and Strawberry Mulberry Black expected to be the best-selling drinks on the menu. 

Founded in 2012, Shenzen-based Heytea currently operates 3,000 stores across China. The tea chain opened its first international store in Singapore in 2018 and entered the UK, Australia, Canada, the US and Malaysia last year as part of an ‘accelerated globalisation strategy’. Its South Korea debut is expected to serve as a launchpad for further expansion in the region.