(image: KobizMedia/ Korea Bizwire)
SEOUL, May 23 (Korea Bizwire) – South Korean food companies are introducing convenience bar snacks with the “drinking solo” (or “honsul”) culture spreading fast amongst local drinkers.
Chung Jung One said Monday that it is introducing a new lineup of bar snacks dubbed Anjuya, including boneless chicken feet, spicy pork rinds, and pork entrails. The dishes come in small servings for one or two, and can be microwaved (or pan fried) for quick preparation.
(image: Chung Jung One)
Other food companies, including E-Mart’s private label Peacock, Sajo Daerim and Dongwon F&B, have introduced similar easy-cook recipes to target their new-found consumers. The market for convenience foods in South Korea was estimated at 1.67 trillion won ($1.5 billion) in 2015, up by 51.1 percent compared to 2011.
In a survey last year conducted by Job Korea, 72.1 percent of the respondents said they drank alone, with beer most popular at 74.2 percent followed by Soju at 28.1 percent.
Reasons for drinking alone (multiple response) included “because I’m not pressured to drink excessively” (39.9 percent), “because I want to enjoy drinking alone” (39.8 percent), and “I can drink while I enjoy my hobbies” (33.9 percent).
Dongwon Pocha lineup of canned beer snacks by Dongwon F&B. (image: Dongwon F&B)
Sajo Daerim’s Hurb Fried Chicken Gizzards. (image: Sajo Daerim)
By photonews@koreabizwire.com
