Rise of Sobun Meetings: South Koreans Subdivide Groceries and Deliveries to Combat Rising Living Costs

Single-person households in South Korea are using the Karrot app for "sobun" meetings to subdivide bulk groceries and food deliveries amid rising inflation.

By: AXL Media

Published: Apr 27, 2026, 8:04 AM EDT

Source: Information for this report was sourced from The Straits Times

The Social Architecture of Modern Grocery Sharing

South Korea is witnessing the emergence of a new communal economy as residents turn to "sobun" or subdivision meetings to navigate the challenges of solo living. These gatherings involve strangers connecting via mobile community platforms, such as the second-hand marketplace Karrot, to split the cost and quantity of food items. This shift in consumer behavior allows individuals to enjoy the financial benefits of bulk purchasing without the waste typically associated with single-person consumption. What began as a niche logistical hack has rapidly transformed into a widespread social trend, reflecting a necessary adaptation to a changing demographic landscape.

Demographic Shifts Driving the Subdivision Trend

The momentum behind these sharing groups is fueled by a historic rise in single-person households, which reached 8.05 million in 2024. According to the Ministry of Data and Statistics, over a third of all households in the country now consist of just one person, with the highest concentration found in Seoul at 39.8%. While younger adults under 40 make up a significant portion of this group, the largest single demographic of solo dwellers is those aged 70 and above. This cross-generational shift has created a massive market of consumers who find traditional retail packaging, designed for nuclear families, increasingly incompatible with their daily needs.

Circumventing the Burdens of Bulk Retail

Warehouse retailers like Costco offer significant savings through large-scale packaging, yet these quantities often prove burdensome for those living alone. In districts like Mapo-gu, where physical warehouse stores are absent, residents are forming digital collectives to coordinate carpools and shared shopping trips. These groups, some boasting nearly 100 members, allow participants to divide everything from bulk meats to household supplies based on their specific storage capacities. This collective approach not only mitigates the high cost of entry for warehouse shopping but also solves the logistical hurdle of transporting large items without personal vehicles.