Comparison of 4 Types of Convenience Store Hangawi Lunchboxes: How to Choose Based on Main Side Dishes and Variety

The characteristics of four holiday lunchboxes released by major convenience stores and distributors for this year's Hangawi have been revealed. According to a video released on the Mat Sangmu YouTube channel, the lunchboxes from CU, 7-Eleven, emart24, and GS25 showed distinct differences in price, weight, and the composition ratio of main and side dishes.

CU focuses on main side dishes, while 7-Eleven is the lightest

CU's 'Hangawi Full-Course Lunchbox (6,500 won)' recorded the lowest price among the review subjects. It weighs 430g, falling into the medium category, and is characterized by a high proportion of main side dishes such as japchae and bulgogi. The video evaluated that the bulgogi seasoning is salty and the taste is clear because it does not use much corn syrup or starch. It was mentioned that while excessive use of corn syrup or starch can make the taste feel heavy, this product allows the taste to be felt clearly. This composition is suitable for consumers who prefer the distinct taste of main side dishes rather than a variety of side dishes.

On the other hand, 7-Eleven's 'Blessings-Filled Table Lunchbox (6,500 won)' was the lightest among the four at 394g, despite containing 11 side dishes. It achieved a non-salty taste with the lowest sodium content of 1,100mg. Among the components, the bulgogi features a sweet and salty taste similar to Japanese gyudon, and traditional side dish flavors such as smoked duck with mustard, meatballs with tofu, and dried radish greens seasoned with soybean paste were emphasized. In particular, the meatballs with tofu were cited as a nostalgic taste that gives a holiday feeling. However, it is noted that despite containing 11 various side dishes, the weight did not exceed 400g. Analysis suggests this composition is closer to the tastes of middle-aged and older people who miss the taste of holidays rather than the younger generation.

emart24 with a luxurious composition and GS25 with the most abundant contents

emart24's 'Hangawi Full Moon Feast (6,900 won)' has a weight of 473g and features a luxurious appearance using black rice and ginkgo nut garnishes. The color is deep due to the large amount of black rice, and visual completeness is enhanced by adding red and green chili garnishes. The bulgogi was evaluated as being somewhat mushy and strongly seasoned like rice bowl bulgogi due to high starch content, but the japchae received praise for having a well-preserved savory oil flavor without being heavily seasoned. However, the tofu hanja using soy meat among the components received somewhat disappointing evaluations regarding its identity as a holiday food.

GS25's 'Lunchbox of the Month: Hangawi Edition (6,900 won)' boasts the heaviest weight at 534g and shows the most splendid composition. In addition to the rice accompanied by black rice and ginkgo nuts, it includes a composition that can be mixed with vegetables and soy sauce, conveying a sense of sincerity. The side dishes include spicy red pepper-based stir-fried pork, glass noodles topped with shiitake mushrooms, a large neobiani, five-colored pancakes, rolled omelet, and corn salad pancakes. In particular, the neobiani was large enough to have a texture close to a steak, and since it even includes songpyeon as a dessert, it was picked as a product suitable for consumers who want the most abundant composition.

Holiday lunchbox selection guide by preference

The selection criteria for convenience store holiday lunchboxes, summarized based on the video content, are as follows. If you value the taste of main side dishes like bulgogi, the CU product is advantageous, and if you want to create a holiday atmosphere with various side dishes, 7-Eleven is suitable. If you want the most abundant and sincere composition, the GS25 product can be an option, and if you prefer luxurious garnishes and black rice, the emart24 product can be an alternative.