"Let's Make Bungeoppang Ourselves"... DIY Kits Surge 89%

Price of Bungeoppang 'One for 1000 Won' Rises
App for Finding Bungsekwon Also Emerges

[Asia Economy Reporter Park Hyun-joo] As the price of Bungeoppang, a representative winter snack for the common people, has risen significantly, there are cases where one piece costs around 1,000 won. The widespread inflation impact has even affected Bungeoppang. According to the Korea Price Information Service on the 14th, the price of two Bungeoppang this winter is around 1,000 won.

Bungeoppang street vendors unanimously say that price increases were inevitable. The prices of raw materials such as flour and red beans have all risen. Kim, who sells Bungeoppang near Seongbuk-gu, Seoul, said, "Last year, I gave 3 pieces for 1,000 won, but this year it's 2 pieces for 1,000 won. Flour and red beans have all gone up, how can we endure this?"

On the afternoon of the 15th, a vendor is selling Bungeoppang on a road near Namdaemun Market in Seoul. Photo by Yonhap News

In fact, the prices of raw materials for Bungeoppang have risen sharply. According to recent data from Korea Price Information, the prices of the five main ingredients used in Bungeoppang (flour, red beans, sugar, cooking oil, LPG gas) have increased by 18.4% compared to last year and by an average of 49.2% compared to five years ago. Flour prices rose 46.9% compared to last year and 18.2% compared to five years ago, while the price of red beans (imported, 800g) surged about 20% compared to last year and about 100% compared to five years ago.

Given this situation, applications (apps) that share information about Bungeoppang shops have also emerged. Citizens share nearby Bungeoppang shops, their prices, and star reviews on apps such as 'Gaseumsok 3,000 Won' and 'Bungse-gwon'.

Despite the price burden, citizens who cannot give up Bungeoppang sometimes call themselves 'Bungse-gwon' (Bungeoppang + station area). They purchase ‘Bungeoppang kits’ containing molds and ingredients from online markets and make Bungeoppang at home themselves.

The great advantage is that you can make various types of Bungeoppang by adding preferred fillings, such as pizza Bungeoppang or sweet potato Bungeoppang. From the 1st to the 20th of last month, sales of 'Bungeoppang makers' on 'Gmarket' surged 89% compared to the previous month.