Samsung Electronics’ Device Solutions (DS) division, equipped with high-value machinery worth billions, has installed new machines across its facilities this January. Among them is the Han River instant noodle machine, which lets employees cook instant noodles similar to those sold at convenience stores in Han River Park. In April, the semiconductor division introduced a Well-fit To-Go section for health-conscious employees, offering daily options like a low-sodium soy sauce chicken bowl (420 kcal) and diabetes-friendly pork with lotus root rice (510 kcal). Popular items, such as bagels from the London Bagel Museum, Knotted donuts, and Shake Shack burgers, are offered once or twice a week, with take-out meals provided two to three times a month. At lunchtime, employees can choose from up to 12 different menu options at the company cafeteria, ranging from Korean and Western dishes to burgers and boxed meals.
With around 77,000 employees, Samsung’s DS division serves about 208,000 meals daily, using 6.7 tons of rice and 4.6 tons of kimchi each day, with all three daily meals provided for free.
A fierce “meal competition” is underway across industries. From cutting-edge semiconductor companies to low-cost airlines, providing quality meals plays a crucial role in attracting top talent and fostering customer loyalty. As the battle for technology, talent, and customers intensifies, companies are betting on the fundamental appeal of good food.
Samsung’s focus on meals is driven by competition with rival SK Hynix, where the battle for talent is fierce. SK Hynix, with around 32,000 employees, collaborates with five in-house cafeteria providers: CJ, Shinsegae, Samsung, Whoneed, and Jinpoong Food Service. A company official said, “The aim is to create competition among the providers to improve meal quality.” To avoid losing out in the bidding process, providers have been introducing popular external options, such as cooking classes on making Dubai’s viral chocolate bars and popular dishes like Lee Sung Dang Bakery bread, Bukchangdong Soondubu, and Abiko Curry, to their cafeterias. “With large semiconductor factories, it’s not easy to eat out, so employees primarily dine on-site,” an SK Hynix staffer said. “Given the working hours, meal satisfaction significantly impacts daily life.”
Both Samsung and SK Hynix host annual family invitation events where employees’ families tour the company and enjoy meals at the cafeteria. An industry insider noted, “Employees take pride in introducing their families to the cafeteria, and their families’ interest and affection for the company grow, helping to retain top talent.”
