This study investigates a marketing strategy to address McDonald’s underperformance in South Korea, where local competitors like Lotteria excel by aligning with regional tastes. Despite McDonald’s global dominance, its menu offerings and brand image have not fully resonated with South Korean consumers. To overcome this, a two-phase campaign inspired by the global hit Squid Game is proposed. In the first phase, McDonald’s introduces exclusive Squid Game-themed menu items, such as Dalgona McFlurry and Golden Player Fried Chicken, which incorporate flavors familiar to Korean consumers. The second phase involves launching an immersive pop-up store in Seongsu-dong, designed to replicate iconic Squid Game elements. Visitors can participate in themed activities, collect rewards, and share their experiences on social media, creating a buzz around the brand. The findings suggest that this culturally immersive approach can enhance McDonald’s brand visibility, generate excitement, and foster a sense of urgency, encouraging customer engagement and boosting sales. By leveraging the cultural significance of Squid Game, McDonald’s can bridge the gap between global branding and local relevance, cultivating brand loyalty and improving its competitive position in the South Korean market. This strategy demonstrates how aligning with cultural trends can create meaningful connections with local consumers while strengthening global brand identity.