Convenience stores compete with budget 'nourishing' meals as dining out costs soar

As the cost of eating out in South Korea rises, convenience stores are stepping in with budget-friendly "nourishing" meals to capture consumer demand. With a single serving of samgyetang (ginseng chicken soup) nearing 20,000 won in Seoul, retailers like GS25, CU, and Emart24 are offering alternatives.

GS25 is introducing a "July Boknal Edition" lunchbox featuring freshwater eel and smoked duck for 6,900 won. They are also launching samgyetang-flavored triangular kimbap. CU is rolling out six unique "nourishing" convenience food items, including a samgyetang burger and eel-flavored rice, with prices ranging from 2,000 to 8,000 won. Emart24's offerings include an eel chirashi sushi lunchbox for 9,900 won and a whole chicken leg samgyetang.

This trend reflects the growing burden of dining out costs. The average price for a bowl of samgyetang in Seoul reached 18,154 won in May, a 2.8% increase from the previous year. Consequently, demand for convenient, affordable nourishing meals from convenience stores is rising, particularly among single-person and two-person households. CU reported a double-digit annual sales growth for its summer nourishing foods for three consecutive years, indicating a strong market response to these value-for-money options.

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The increase in dining out prices means more customers are looking for affordable nourishing convenience foods.