Rising costs for meals outside offices have boosted the appeal of corporate cafeterias, where prices average around 8,300 won. Catering firms are enhancing their services to premium levels amid a 25% price increase over five years. Combined sales of major providers exceeded 9 trillion won in 2025 for the first time.
In South Korea, lunch prices at external restaurants have surpassed 10,000 won, prompting more office workers to turn to company cafeterias as a more affordable option. These on-site eateries now charge an average of 8,300 won per meal, up from 4,000 to 6,000 won five years ago, and currently range between 6,000 and 8,000 won. The shift stems from higher food material prices and labor costs, making cafeterias not only cheaper but also quicker, with shorter waiting times compared to district eateries, which have entered an 8,000 won era.
Data from Statistics Korea shows the consumer price index for cafeteria meals reached 124.81 in January 2026, a 24.81% rise from 2020. The index has climbed steadily: 101.8 in 2021, 105.9 in 2022, 112.6 in 2023, 118.1 in 2024, and 122.53 in 2025. This trend reflects broader meal satisfaction influencing workplace evaluations, driving demands for better quality.
Major catering companies are responding by elevating their offerings beyond basic meals. Samsung Well Story focuses on hotel-style experiences, including collaborations with famous chefs, global themed menus, and health-oriented diets. Hyundai Green Food introduces restaurant brand partnerships, themed specials, and expanded functional options like healthy foods and customized nutrition. CJ Freshway also contributes to the sector's growth.
The market has expanded accordingly. The three firms—Samsung Well Story, CJ Freshway, and Hyundai Green Food—reported combined sales of 8.604 trillion won in 2023, rising to 8.6131 trillion won in 2024 and 9.746 trillion won in 2025, marking the first entry into the 9 trillion won range with a two-year growth of 12.6%. Factors include recovering cafeteria demand, increased school meal services due to external price hikes, and growth in food distribution and concessions.
Individual performances vary: Samsung Well Story's sales went from 2.799 trillion won in 2023 to 3.118 trillion in 2024 and 3.264 trillion in 2025. CJ Freshway saw figures from 3.742 trillion won to 3.2247 trillion in 2024 and 3.481 trillion in 2025. Hyundai Green Food progressed from 2.1872 trillion to 2.27 trillion and then 2.3296 trillion won over the same period.
