"One Roll of Gimbap 3,100 Won"... Sharp Rise in Major Dining Expenses Last Year

The Item with the Highest Price Increase: 'Jajangmyeon'
Over 6,500 Won per Bowl... 13.8% Increase Rate

[Image source=Yonhap News]

[Asia Economy Reporter Koo Eun-mo] Amid ongoing high inflation, prices of major dining-out items all sharply increased last year.

According to the Korea Consumer Agency's comprehensive price information portal, Chamgyeok, the average price of eight representative dining-out items in Seoul in December last year rose by up to 13.8% compared to January of the same year.

The item with the highest price increase was Jajangmyeon, which was 5,769 won at the beginning of the year but jumped to 6,569 won (13.8%) in December. Next, Samgyeopsal (based on 200g) rose from 16,983 won to 19,031 won, a 12.0% increase, and Gimbap increased from 2,769 won to 3,100 won, up 11.9%. Additionally, Samgyetang (11.2%), Kalguksu (9.8%), Bibimbap (7.9%), Naengmyeon (7.8%), and Kimchi-jjigae (5.9%) also saw price hikes compared to the beginning of the year.

According to Statistics Korea, the dining-out price inflation rate last year was 7.7%, the highest in 30 years since 1992 (10.3%). The consumer price inflation rate was also 5.1%, marking the highest level in 24 years since the 1998 Asian financial crisis (7.5%).