Convenience store lunch boxes are rapidly emerging as a cost-effective meal option for office workers as restaurant prices continue rising above 3% for the fourth consecutive year.
According to the Korea Consumer Agency, prices of major dining items in Seoul have increased sharply over the past five years: jajangmyeon (black bean noodles) by 44%, gimbap by 41%, and kalguksu (knife-cut noodles) by 31%. Last month, the average price of a bowl of kalguksu reached 9,923 won, approaching the 10,000-won mark. With lunch now costing around 10,000 won, demand is rapidly shifting to convenience store ready-to-eat meals priced between 3,000 and 5,000 won.
Industry data released on March 4 showed GS25's lunch box sales rose 25% year-on-year in early 2025 (January 1 to February 25). Meal-replacement items also posted gains, with gimbap up 13.4%, rice balls up 14.3%, and sandwiches up 13.0%.
CU reported a 12.4% increase in lunch box sales during the same period, while gimbap sales grew 18.7%. Salad sales also rose 13.8%, driven by growing demand for healthier options. 7-Eleven recorded double-digit growth in key categories including lunch boxes (11%) and gimbap (14%).
Convenience store chains are accelerating efforts to expand their value-focused lineups. At GS25, mid-range premium lunch boxes priced in the mid-5,000-won range are among top sellers. CU revamped its "PBICK The Kitchen" and "Deuktem" series last month to enhance both quality and price competitiveness. 7-Eleven has expanded its offerings across price points, from 2,000-won gimbap to 5,000-won lunch boxes, while rolling out products with increased portions and toppings.
"As restaurant price inflation persists structurally, convenience store meals are becoming a regular dining option for office workers," an industry official said. "Premium lunch boxes with improved quality are expected to maintain strong growth for the time being, aligned with the value-conscious spending trend."