South Korean convenience stores launch Chuseok meal kits

Major South Korean convenience store chains—including CU, GS25, Seven-Eleven, and Emart24—are launching specialized meal kits and lunch boxes to target the growing number of single-person households celebrating Chuseok, the Korean Thanksgiving holiday.

CU is introducing various holiday-themed items such as the ‘Abundant Chuseok Formal Lunch Box’ featuring bulgogi, japchae, and various pancakes, alongside sesame songpyeon. GS25 is expanding its lineup with products like the ‘Chuseok Japchae & Jeon’ and bulgogi gochujang bibim gimbap.

Seven-Eleven is offering the ‘Bok-gadeuk-dam-eun Hansang Lunch Box’ which includes beef bulgogi, kimchi pancakes, and smoked duck. Emart24 is launching the ‘Hangawi Full Moon Feast,’ which uniquely includes dessert items like mini yakgwa to provide a complete meal and dessert experience in one package.

Industry data shows a consistent rise in holiday lunch box sales at convenience stores, with over 60% of sales occurring in areas densely populated by single-person households, such as university districts and studio apartment zones.