Samgye-tang Era of 20,000 Won... Home-Boosters Rush to Stores Ahead of the Holiday

Amid the start of the sultry summer heat, consumers are increasingly shifting from expensive dining-out options to offline and online stores to avoid soaring food prices, driven by a growing trend of 'home-boosters' seeking affordable summer nourishment. With rising dining costs creating a burden, more people are opting for high-quality, budget-friendly home-cooked meals. Retailers are responding with premium ready-to-eat products and discounted premium ingredients like sea cucumber and fish, as high prices drive demand for cost-effective solutions. As temperatures exceed 30°C and the 'Chobok' holiday approaches, traditional Samgye-tang restaurants have become inaccessible due to exorbitant prices, prompting families to seek alternatives. Ready-to-eat meals, once a niche for students, are now mainstream as improved quality and convenience attract working professionals. Brands like CJ, Imart, and Harim are launching premium frozen Samgye-tang products with enhanced flavors and textures, while stores are intensifying marketing efforts to capture the home-boosting trend.