'Honsoljok', from Cup Tteokguk to Beef Rib Lunchboxes, Premium Convenience Products Dominate the Holiday Season

Emergence of Convenient Seol Food for Increasing Single-Person Households

[Asia Economy Reporter Choi Saeng-hye] The recently emerged term ‘Honseoljok’ refers to people who spend the Lunar New Year alone due to reasons such as travel, job preparation, or work. In response to the increasing number of Honseoljok and the upcoming Lunar New Year, the distribution industry has been releasing products aligned with the “Convenipremium” (convenience + premium) trend to help individuals enjoy the holiday richly even when alone.

According to related industries on the 25th, Baesangmyeon Brewery’s ‘Neurin Maeul Makgeolli Honsulsang Set’ is perfect for preparing a solo Lunar New Year drinking table featuring representative Korean alcohol, Makgeolli. The product consists of two bottles of premium Makgeolli ‘Neurin Maeul Makgeolli’ brewed without artificial sweeteners, one pack of ‘Neurin Maeul Jeon’ (Korean pancakes) in a home meal replacement (HMR) form for easy cooking, and ‘Gamjabbeong,’ a snack made with rice syrup. Additionally, a paper table mat is included to reduce the hassle of setting and clearing the table. The Neurin Maeul Makgeolli Honsulsang Set is ideal for those spending the Lunar New Year alone to easily create their own festive drinking atmosphere. It can be purchased through KakaoTalk Gift.

Tteokguk (rice cake soup) is an indispensable representative dish of the Lunar New Year. To celebrate the holiday, Shinsegae Food launched the convenient cooking cup tteokguk product ‘Olban Jinhan Sagol Tteokguk.’ It features the ability to enjoy tteokguk simply by adding hot water or using a microwave without complicated procedures, and offers a rich texture with chewy rice cakes and various tteokguk toppings. The product is individually packaged for one serving, allowing those spending the Lunar New Year alone to easily feel the festive mood. It is available nationwide at Emart24 stores.

Ministop, which has introduced lunchboxes for single-person households every holiday, has newly launched the ‘Ilpum Sogalbi Dosirak’ (Premium Marinated Beef Rib Lunchbox) for this Lunar New Year. Centered on marinated beef ribs, a dish associated with the holiday, it is composed of various side dishes such as japchae, providing a hearty yet balanced meal. Until the 29th, customers who purchase this lunchbox will receive a 500ml bottled water or a cup ramen as a gift.