Dining Out Falls, Delivery Rises: 1 in 4 Korean Adults Eat Delivery/Takeout Daily
Creatrip Team
2 months ago
A Korea Disease Control and Prevention study analyzing 2016–2023 nutrition survey data finds a lasting shift from restaurant dining to delivery and takeout since the COVID-19 pandemic. The share of adults eating delivery/takeout at least once a day rose from 18.3% in 2016 to about 24%–25% after 2020, while restaurant dining fell from 42.9% to 33.6% by 2023. Home-cooked meals declined slightly (75.8% to 69.9%). The increase in delivery/takeout is most pronounced among people in their 20s and 30s (20s: 24.5%→31.8%; 30s: 23.6%→32.1%). Researchers link the trend to Korea’s already active delivery culture and rapid growth of delivery platforms during the pandemic. The study also found that people who eat restaurant or delivery foods tend to consume excess energy, fat, and sodium. (delivery platforms: app-based food ordering services)
