Delivery food in Korea has grown into a lifestyle trend that’s now practically inseparable from daily life. With smartphones and food delivery apps advancing rapidly, getting meals delivered whenever and wherever has become effortless, leading to rapid growth in the delivery food market. In this post, we’ll explore why delivery food is so loved in Korea, the most popular menu items, and the latest trends in the delivery industry.
Why is Delivery Food So Popular in Korea?
Convenience
In Korea, food delivery is typically ordered via smartphone apps like '배달의민족' (Baedal Minjok) and '쿠팡이츠' (Coupang Eats), both known for their simple, intuitive interfaces and quick delivery services. The rise of social distancing and remote work during the pandemic significantly boosted demand for home-delivered meals, and even though the pandemic is over, people who got used to the convenience continue to embrace delivery food.
Wide Variety of Options
Korea’s delivery menus offer an impressive range, from classic pizza and fried chicken to Korean, Chinese, Japanese dishes, and desserts. Nearly anything you can eat at a restaurant is available for delivery. This variety means that, whatever you’re craving, it’s likely just a few taps away.
Fast Delivery Infrastructure
With a highly efficient delivery infrastructure, most orders arrive in about 30 minutes. On busy Friday evenings, popular restaurant orders might take up to 60 minutes, but apps offer real-time tracking so customers can check the status of their delivery at any moment.
Popular Delivery Menu Items
치킨 (Fried Chicken)
Korean fried chicken is the undisputed star of delivery food. Its popularity stretches back over 30 years when it was first delivered alongside '짜장면'(jajangmyeon) as one of Korea’s original delivery foods. Over the years, Korean fried chicken has gained global recognition for its quality and flavor, especially paired with beer—a combo famously called “치맥"(chimaek).
피자 (Pizza)
Korean-style pizza brings a unique twist to the classic Western favorite. Brands offer a huge variety of toppings, from meat to seafood, which might seem unusual to some Westerners, but Koreans love the creative flavor combinations. This customized pizza style adds a fun and delicious spin that appeals to local tastes.
한식 (Korean Dishes)
Advancements in packaging technology mean that foods like 삼겹살(samgyeopsal, grilled pork belly), 김치찌개(kimchi stew), and 찜닭(braised chicken)—once considered impractical for delivery—are now available. Korean dishes are popular in part because they’re perceived as healthier, making them a go-to delivery choice.
Latest Delivery Food Trends
Contactless Delivery
Contactless delivery surged during the pandemic, shifting the delivery culture dramatically. Rather than directly handing over orders, delivery drivers now often leave the food at the door, ring the bell, and depart, allowing customers to collect their meals once the driver has left. This method minimizes contact, making the process safer and more efficient as drivers don’t need to wait around for customers.
Single-Serving Packaging for Solo Diners
The rise in single-person households has led to an increase in small-portioned delivery options, catering to individuals who dine alone. This trend allows solo diners to try a wide variety of dishes without feeling overwhelmed, with food packaging and portion sizes made perfect for one.
Delivery-Only Restaurants (Cloud Kitchens)
A growing trend is the “cloud kitchen” or “ghost restaurant,” which operates exclusively for delivery without a physical dining space. These delivery-only establishments prepare meals quickly and economically, providing fast service to customers while keeping costs low for restaurant owners.
➤ Korean delivery food culture is rapidly evolving, continually adapting to meet diverse consumer demands. Thanks to its convenience, speed, and variety, delivery food has become a fixture of Korean life. As new services and menu options emerge to meet changing preferences, Korea’s food delivery culture will only continue to grow and innovate.
