McDonald’s is not some ordinary fast food restaurant with its trademark logo advertised almost everywhere in the U.S., many people all over the world know about these famous golden arches. The McDonald’s franchising started in 1955 and in less than fifty years, McDonald’s was introduced all over the world in countries such as, China, Japan, Great Britain, Sweden, France etc. McDonald’s global expansion has intermingled with cultural traditions because these countries are becoming more westernized. Since East Asia is becoming more westernized it also means that there is a cultural difference because of the influences from outside the country. The cultures are being changed because of how ideas are expressed by people and not by their
Also the Koreans considered McDonald’s a snacking place and thought that the food was not good quality. McDonald’s transformed their menu to something that would appeal to Korean tastes. Usually groups of people would go to McDonald’s together because they would share their meals. “The dominant view of McDonald’s food, according to my informants, themes which appeal to the new generation, who regard uniqueness as an important quality.” The new generations are trying to find their identity within themselves and not because of some outside influence. Koreans sharing and eating together provides a connection with their ancestors. This is not an example of American-inspired, transnational culture because the Koreans had opposed McDonald’s because it went against their consumption of local produce and this McDonald’s was far more different than the counterparts because politics played a dominant role. Instead the young people came more to McDonald’s so they could socialize or study in the pleasant environment. McDonald’s had made its way to Japan through capitalism and this caused a change in the daily lives of the Japanese. Business expanded like no other with the menu that was similar to the American one but to increase sales they added some Japanese style cuisine into their menu such as teriyaki burgers, Chinese fried rice, and iced oolong tea etc. The company had to follow the market by changing their menus and providing more items that would appeal to the Japanese