Many people in South Korea are joining a growing trend of shared shopping and food delivery. This shift is partly due to the increase in single-person households and rising living costs.
A popular concept is the “sobun (subdividing) meeting.” This involves strangers coming together to share groceries or meals that one person might find hard to finish alone. These gatherings often happen on mobile platforms, like the secondhand market app Karrot.
For example, in a Karrot group, residents of Seoul connect to split trips to Costco. While buying in bulk can save money, the large sizes can be overwhelming for a single shopper. One member recently posted, “If Costco is too much for you, let’s shop together and divide what we get based on our needs.” This group has seen a spike in interest, recently attracting new members looking for more convenient shopping options.
The shared purchases aren’t limited to groceries. A meet-up for Yupdduk, a well-known spicy tteokbokki brand that serves two to three people, has gained popularity since its launch. Since January, 83 people joined the group, highlighting the demand for shared dining experiences.
Participants only need to verify their name and age through the Karrot app, with age limits being rare. This accessibility makes it easier for people to meet their needs while socializing.
The rise of single-person households in South Korea is striking. By 2024, these households numbered about 8.05 million, which makes up 36.1% of all homes, according to a December report by the Ministry of Data and Statistics. The highest concentration is in Seoul, where nearly 40% of households are single-person. Notably, those aged 70 and above represent the largest segment of these households.
Rising prices are also a real concern. Essential items have become more expensive; the consumer price index for 144 basic necessities rose by 2.4% in 2025 compared to the previous year. This increase has occurred for several years, indicating that daily living costs may be climbing faster than overall inflation rates.
These trends reflect a changing society where convenience, affordability, and community support are more important than ever. The ability to share costs and socialize is possibly reshaping how individuals approach shopping and dining in their daily lives.
For more statistics and insights, you might find the Ministry of Data and Statistics here.
