Special to the Gazette
Gangnam Spice, a new fast-casual restaurant serving Korean fried chicken and Korean street food, celebrated its grand opening on Friday, Nov. 21 at 225 Centre St., directly across from Jackson Square Station on the Orange Line. The celebration featured a ribbon-cutting with founders Richard Kim and Jiyeon Lee and an introduction to the brand’s K-inspired concept aimed at Boston’s growing community of Korean culture, K-pop, and street food fans.
Founded by husband-and-wife team Richard Kim and Jiyeon Lee, Gangnam Spice blends authentic Seoul flavors with a fun, youth-oriented atmosphere. Jiyeon, who grew up in Seoul’s iconic Gangnam district and previously worked there as a hairstylist, brings her personal connection to Korean culture to the brand. Richard, a Korean-American who left a career in the AI industry, launched the restaurant to support Jiyeon’s dream of opening her first Korean concept in Boston.
“We wanted to create a place that feels like stepping into modern Seoul — crispy Korean fried chicken, street snacks, good music, and a vibe that speaks to Gen Z and Millennials,” said co-founder Jiyeon Lee. “Gangnam is where I’m from, and I wanted to share that energy here.”
“Boston has so many people who love K-dramas, K-pop, and Korean food, but not enough spots doing Korean street food in a way that’s fast, approachable, and still authentic,” added co-founder Richard Kim. “Gangnam Spice is our way of making that culture accessible — right off the Orange Line.”
Gangnam Spice is a fast-casual Korean fried chicken and street food restaurant in Jamaica Plain, Massachusetts, founded by husband-and-wife team Richard Kim and Jiyeon Lee. Inspired by Jiyeon’s roots in Seoul’s Gangnam district and Richard’s mission to bring modern Korean culture to Boston, Gangnam Spice serves crispy Korean fried chicken, street snacks, and K-inspired bites in a fun, youth-oriented atmosphere. Located steps from Jackson Square Station on the Orange Line, Gangnam Spice is designed for quick meals, hangouts, and anyone who loves K-culture.
🌐 https://gangnamspice.com/