KOREASCHOLAR

Despite expansion of the mulnaengmyeon market, there have been no studies on consumers’ attitudes towards mulnaengmyeon. The purpose of this study was to investigate the usage and consumption patterns for mulnaengmyeon among adults in the Seoul metropolitan area of Korea. A survey including demo- and socio-graphics, general mulnaengmyeon usage, and consumption questions was tested on 210 consumers. The results of the survey showed that the majority of consumers consumed mulnaengmyeon more frequently during summer. Although the instant mulnaengmyeon market has rapidly increased, it was found that mulnaengmyeon is a food that is generally consumed in restaurants. In addition, mulnaengmyeon usage and consumption patterns significantly differed according to consumer age, whereas there was no difference observed according to parent’s or grandparent’s hometown of origin. Older consumers were observed to consume and purchase mulnaengmyeon as well as instant mulnaengmyeon more often than young consumers. Also, older consumers were shown to consider “health” related factors as more important when selecting mulnaengmyeon, whereas young consumers considered “price” related factors to be more important.

• 이소민(이화여자대학교 식품공학과) | Soh Min Lee
• 김진영(이화여자대학교 식품공학과) | Jin Young Kim
• 김광옥(이화여자대학교 식품공학과) | Kwang-Ok Kim Corresponding author