Changes in Eating Habits Due to COVID-19... Less Dining Out, More Buying Food Directly

Rural Economy Institute Analysis... Purchased Kimchi Up 39.5%

On the 11th, when social distancing level 2.5 was in effect due to the spread of the novel coronavirus disease (COVID-19), a notice of business closure was posted at a restaurant in Sinchon, Seoul. Photo by Mun Ho-nam munonam@

[Sejong=Asia Economy Reporter Kim Hyunjung] Due to the impact of the novel coronavirus infection (COVID-19), dining-out expenses have decreased while food purchase expenses have increased, according to a recent survey.

According to the "2020 First Half Food Manufacturing Industry Trends" report by the Korea Rural Economic Institute on the 2nd, household food consumption expenditures on dining out decreased by 10.4% compared to the first half of last year, while food purchase expenses through online and offline channels increased by 5.5%. A representative from the Rural Economic Institute stated, "It is analyzed that due to COVID-19, people could not dine out and instead used part of their dining-out budget for food purchases."

The real Gross Domestic Product (GDP) of the food and beverage manufacturing industry in the first half of the year was 11.2 trillion won, a 0.9% increase from last year. While the real GDP of the manufacturing sector experienced a negative growth of -1.7%, the food and beverage manufacturing industry showed slight growth, which is attributed to increased demand for convenience foods due to the spread of COVID-19.

Additionally, processed food exports in the first half of the year increased by 8.0% compared to the same period last year, reaching 3.07 billion dollars (approximately 3.59 trillion won). The institute explained that this increase is due to the reevaluation of Korea's quarantine achievements, which has led to increased demand for Korean food products. By item, ramen exports increased by 37.4%, and kimchi exports rose by 39.5%. By country, exports to the United States increased by 36.3%, while exports to Japan decreased by 1.1%.

This content was produced with the assistance of AI translation services.