Workers in Samseong-dong are reported to have an average daily expenditure of 15,000 won on lunch. Samseong-dong had the highest lunch costs among the 12 major business districts in the metropolitan area.
NHN Payco analyzed approximately 9 million payment data generated from its "mobile meal voucher service" and noted that the average lunch cost for workers in the metropolitan area using Payco meal vouchers was 9,500 won in the first half of this year. This marks an increase from the average of 6,000 won in 2017, rising about 58% over the past eight years.
Among the 12 major business districts in the metropolitan area, Samseong-dong (15,000 won) had the highest average expenditure for food. An official from NHN Payco explained, "This is analyzed to reflect the characteristics of commercial districts densely populated by premium dining brands and the headquarters of domestic and international large corporations."
Next in line were Gangnam (14,000 won), Yeouido and Seocho (13,000 won), Magok and Pangyo (12,000 won), Songpa and Jongno (11,000 won), Gasan and Guro (10,000 won), and Gangdong and Dongdaemun (9,000 won).
The average expenditure for food in major business districts was 11,583 won, which is about 2,000 won higher than the overall average (9,500 won). Notably, in many areas including Gangnam, Songpa, Jongno, Gasan, and Guro, the average food cost increased by 1,000 won compared to the previous year, reflecting the rising trend in dining prices.
The usage of Payco meal vouchers is showing a trend of expanding from traditional cafeterias to external franchises and digital platforms. It is explained that workers are increasingly flexibly choosing their lunch based on their schedules, preferences, and eating habits.
Major affiliated stores where meal vouchers were actively used in the first half of this year included ▲Yogiyo (delivery app) ▲CU, GS25, and 7-Eleven (convenience stores) ▲Paris Baguette and Ttareung (bakery) ▲Starbucks, Twosome Place, and Artisee (cafe).
As flexible working environments increase demand for meals in the office or working from home, the frequency of contactless orders through the delivery app Yogiyo has risen. Additionally, the preference for convenient meals continues, positioning convenience stores, bakeries, and cafes as notable affiliated stores with many instances of Payco utilization.
An official from NHN Payco stated, "We can confirm that the dietary habits and welfare needs of workers are becoming increasingly segmented through meal voucher payment data."