B2 – Upper Intermediate
South Korea is witnessing an unprecedented trend as consumers sharply reduce spending both on dining out and at home. Driven by rising living costs, economic uncertainty, and changing lifestyle habits, this shift marks a significant change in the country’s consumption patterns and raises concerns about broader impacts on the food and restaurant industries.
Watch this video and more about how Koreans are cutting corners.
Vocabulary Questions:
- What does “frugal” mean? “Amid rising living costs, many Koreans have adopted a more frugal lifestyle, cutting back on both dining out and home food expenses.” Use the word in your sentence. Give a synonym.
- What does the word “sluggish” mean? “The sluggish economy has further pushed many Koreans to embrace a frugal lifestyle, reducing spending on both dining out and meals at home.” Make a sentence using the word.” Give a synonym.
- What does “at play” mean? “There’s a wider issue at play too with the sluggish economy creating job uncertainty and financial challenges causing people to spend less.” Use the idiom in a sentence. Give a synonym.
Discussion Questions:
- What are the main factors causing Koreans to cut back on both dining out and home meals?
- How might this shift affect small restaurants, grocery stores, and food producers?
- Could this trend lead to long-term changes in Korean eating habits and culture? Explain.
- Do you think cutting back on food spending is a wise way to handle financial pressure? Share your opinion.
- Would you personally reduce eating out and cooking at home if prices kept rising? Explain.