갈수록 커지는 대한민국 '공유주방' 시장... 전망은?<br /><br />A growing number of Koreans are getting on board with the concept of "shared kitchens."<br />Not for their homes, but for business.<br />Multiple food businesses can use them on an assigned schedule, which helps cut costs for those just starting out.<br />Our Ko Roon-hee met with some people involved in this industry. <br /> This is WECOOK..., a shared kitchen platform service for food and beverage businesses.<br />At this particular branch in Seoul's Jongno-gu District, there are around 1-hundred businesses sharing an 'open kitchen'. <br />Users pay hourly or monthly to rent spaces for cooking... and all kitchen tools and equipment such as ovens are provided.<br />This place allows people to start their own business, without having a big outlay from the start.<br />"It's difficult to start or manage a restaurant business in Korea...because rent and wages have been rising. We want people to concentrate on cooking and WECOOK provides the infrastructure and platform they need." <br />"'Shared commercial kitchens' aren't just about cooking or selling food. Many businesses provide support for companies such as branding and marketing."<br />A chef who works at 'MONTHLY KITCHEN', which mainly relies on deliveries, says he is making the most out of the unique experience.<br />"Many businesses in shared kitchens aren't experienced in terms of marketing. But they can get help from experts here. Also, a community is formed in this space...and it creates a synergy effect." <br />So, what is the future like for the shared kitchen industry in Korea?<br />Although the Korean government is working hard towards deregulation..., there are some laws that hinder expansion.<br />For instance, under the Food Sanitation Act, multiple business operators cannot register their businesses in one kitchen.<br />So many participating firms must rely on platforms like WECOOK for registration...which means less independence in running businesses. <br /> However, the industry itself is likely to grow...because Korea is known for its wide array of delivery services.<br />There are many reasons behind this growth, but one of the biggest is the spike in 1-person households.<br /> As of 2017, there were more than 5-point-6 million 1-person households in South Korea ... and this accounts for almost 30 percent of the total. <br />The number is expected to increase...which means more people delivering food from shared kitchens.<br />Ko Roon-hee, Arirang News. <br />
