Bulgogi Burger
The burger that sums up Lotteria. A patty soaked in sweet soy-and-garlic bulgogi sauce with lettuce and mayonnaise, sticky and savoury in a way no American chain’s burger is. The sauce soaks into the bun, which is part of the pleasure. It is the Korean fast-food flavour in one bite.
The story
Lotteria is Korean and Japanese at the same time. Lotte was founded in Tokyo by Shin Kyuk-ho, a Korean businessman who built the company in post-war Japan before expanding into South Korea, and the first Lotteria opened in Tokyo in 1972. That cross-border history shaped the menu: it arrived in Korea as a local company rather than an American import, and it localised hard from the start. The bulgogi burger is the clearest result, and it is why Lotteria spent years outselling McDonald’s on its own ground.
What’s inside
- patty
- bulgogi sauce
- lettuce
- mayonnaise
- bun
Make it at home
There is no copycat of the Bulgogi Burger yet. Until there is, these recipes on the site come closest to it, judged by what goes into the bun.
- Shares beef
McDonald's Bulgogi Burger (Copycat) - Shares beef
Michigan Olive Burger - Shares beef
The Three-Lettuce Burger - Shares beef
Ravioli Burger
Similar burgers at other chains
Built around the same things as the Bulgogi Burger.- Grill'd · beef
SignatureSimply Grill’d - Dick's Drive-In · beef
Dick’s Special - Gourmet Burger Kitchen · beef
Classic Beef - Pal's Sudden Service · beef
SignatureBig Pal
More from Lotteria
About Lotteria
Lotteria is part of Lotte, one of South Korea’s biggest business groups, and its name is a blend of Lotte and cafeteria. It opened in Tokyo in 1972 and grew into the dominant burger chain in South Korea, where in 2001 it held a 45 per cent market share against McDonald’s 20 per cent.
Most restaurants are in South Korea and Vietnam. The Japanese branches became Zetteria in 2026.
Not affiliated with Lotteria. Trademarks belong to their owners.