"Is it unreasonable to ask for 0.5 serving when one serving of Tteokbokki costs 4,800 won?"

"Being Treated Like a Jinsaeng at a Snack Bar" Absurd Story
Netizens Debate... "Jinsaeng" vs "Just Asking Questions"

A story has emerged about someone who was treated like a troublemaker after asking if a snack bar sold half a serving of tteokbokki to dip with sundae. This has sparked a heated debate among netizens.

Image unrelated to the article content.
Photo by Asia Economy DB

On the 17th, a post titled "Is it troublemaking to ask if you sell only half a serving of tteokbokki?" was uploaded to an online community, drawing attention. The author, Mr. A, said, "The local tteokbokki shop sells one serving for 4,800 won," and added, "I planned to eat just a few rice cakes and dip fried food, sundae, and gimbap in the tteokbokki sauce, so I asked, 'Do you sell 2,500 won worth (half a serving)?'"

Mr. A claimed that the shop owner showed displeasure at this question. Owner Mr. B said, "One serving of our tteokbokki is 4,800 won," and refused Mr. A's request. Mr. A expressed, "I felt very embarrassed. I wanted to cancel the order and leave, but I couldn't," and added, "I felt really bad while receiving the ordered food and leaving." He continued, "I usually buy half servings at other snack bars," and sought sympathy by saying, "If the owner had simply said, 'We don't sell half servings,' I would have felt okay, but the tone was very unpleasant."

Netizens who came across this story have been engaged in a debate. Most netizens responded with comments like, "It's natural to ask if they sell it or not, but the owner seemed too sensitive," "They treat you like a troublemaker just for asking," "It's okay to ask," and "Many places sell half servings, that's surprising."

On the other hand, some netizens said, "Since one serving is the minimum amount the seller must accept, it's better to clearly inform customers," "Asking for something not on the menu is troublemaking," "Not everything asked for should be accommodated," and "Half a serving doesn't even cover labor costs."